For Immediate Release

Prominent New York Civil Rights Lawyer Eric Sanders, Esq. partners with local civil leaders in Southeast Queens to bring early holiday cheer to more than 250 disenfranchised children with a magic show, toys and face painting

(New York, N.Y.) – More than 250 children enjoyed an early Christmas and were treated to toys and face painting as part of the Eighth Annual Christmas Toy Giveaway & Magic Show holiday celebration at the Saratoga Family Inn homeless shelter in Southeast Queens.

The children, ranging in all ages, were also treated to food and music but the highlight of the fun-filled evening was the live magic show where several of the young audience members were called to the stage to participate.

“For eight years we have had the privilege of putting this event together working with the staff at the Saratoga Family Inn,” said Jean Duchatellier, president of the 1906 Project, Inc. “These children and their families have faced challenges so it warms your heart when you are able to bring smiles to their faces and families during this holiday season.”

The 1906 Project, Inc., a local not-for-profit organization sponsored the event held at The Saratoga Family Inn in Jamaica Queens near John F. Kennedy Airport.

The organization works to build stronger neighborhoods in Southeast Queens by partnering with individuals and institutions to advance quality local service initiatives that help develop tomorrow’s leaders.

City Councilman Donovan Richards, who donated toys to the event, said, “The holiday season is a time for giving, particularly to those who are less fortunate, which is why it is important that we never forget to make sure every child in the community has a gift to open on Christmas morning.

“I’d like to thank all the members of the community for donating toys to my office and the 1906 Project, Inc., for putting together another great event for the families at the Saratoga Family Inn,” Richards said.

The Saratoga Family Inn is one of the largest family homeless shelters in New York City providing temporary housing to more than 250 families and 375 children, officials said. Nationally, an estimated 2.5 million children are homeless, according to the National Center on Family Homelessness.

Other event co-sponsors included former New York Jet and OTH Resources, Inc., President & CEO Michel Faulkner, Eva Duzant, president of EG Edwards & Associates and Attorney Eric Sanders of The Sanders Firm P.C.

Faulkner said, “This Christmas is all about giving and we are very grateful for the opportunity to imitate God’s character in every area.”

Sanders said it was a privilege to participate and give back to the community.

“This makes you humble and I am happy that I could make a small contribution to such a worthy event,” Sanders said. “These children are our future so it very encouraging to see such tremendous turnout from the community.”

Special guests and volunteers included, Herlema Owens, president of Association of Women Construction Workers of America, Inc., and Lourdes M. Ventura, president of the Queens County Women’s Bar Association.

Ventura said, “This is a great event that gives the children an opportunity to see that they are loved and appreciated. And, it is always wonderful to see children laughing and playing. This is a very positive event not just for the Southeast Queens community but speaks to what makes New York great.”

Local Attorney Everett Hopkins of the Hopkins Law Group, an executive board member of the 1906 Project Inc., lauded the effort made by local elected officials and civic leaders during the busy holiday season to support the children.

“The Saratoga Family Inn is a special place that helps families get back on their feet,” Hopkins said. “The local elected officials and community leaders being here is the best holiday gift these children and their families could receive. It shows the power of working together as a community.”

The 1906 Project, Inc., has given out more than 1,500 toys to children in Southeast Queens during the past eight years.

ABOUT THE SANDERS FIRM, P.C.

The Sanders Firm, P.C.  offers those in the New York City area legal services related and connected to civil rights, civil service rights, criminal law and discrimination. We firmly believe in everyone’s individual rights that are described and guaranteed by the Constitution of the United States of America. We understand that our freedoms and liberties are sacrosanct and that they have been won in many and various hard-fought battles. We are committed in every way to protecting your civil rights. We are your voice for justice!

CONTACT

Eric Sanders, Esq.
President and Owner, The Sanders Firm, P.C.
Business Phone: 212-652-2782