by Frank Drucker, Publicity Director, Empire City at Yonkers Raceway

Yonkers, NY — Empire City Casino at Yonkers Raceway’s president Timothy J. Rooney and Catholic Charities have once again teamed up to provide area families in need with a bit of warmth and cheer during the holiday season.

Sean Hamrock photo

Monsignor Kevin Sullivan [Left] and Yonkers Raceway president Tim Rooney present a toy to a very happy recipient. </TD

The fourth annual “Christmas Spirit” Toy and Coat Drive, conducted during the week of Dec. 11-17, helped some 600 families, making it ECYR’s most successful endeavor to date.

Earlier Thursday, Monsignor Kevin Sullivan, executive director of Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of New York, arrived at Empire City Casino at Yonkers Raceway to accept the donations. Also accepting were Karen Reynolds, Westchester & Putnam County supervisor, and Sister Christine Hennessy, both of Catholic Charities Community Services, as well as Órla Kelleher, executive director of Aisling Irish Community Center.

During the week-long drive, Empire City Casino patrons donated new, unwrapped toys and gently-used coats. A significant contribution of toys was also donated by California-based, Jams, a family-owned promotional merchandising company. The items were to be delivered to Catholic Charities, where they are to be dispersed to families in need.

“It’s important that we remember what the Christmas season is truly celebrating,” Rooney said. “We must always remember to give to those in need. We provide our customers with an opportunity to give back, and I am always astounded by their generosity. Together, we have made a difference to hundreds of families and we hope that our efforts will motivate others to do the same.”

“I extend my sincerest thanks to Mr. Rooney, Empire City Casino at Yonkers Raceway and all the generous donors who are helping us to provide help and create hope for our neighbors in need this Christmas season,” Monsignor Sullivan said. “The burdens many are feeling at this time of year can be overwhelming. Thanks to the commitment of wonderful partners like Empire City Casino at Yonkers Raceway, more than 600 of our neighbors will have a little lighter load to bear this Christmas. Because need has no season, it is my sincere hope that we may continue to partner with so many of good will in helping those who need our help throughout the year.”

For more information, please visit http://www.catholiccharitiesny.org/or http://www.aislingcenter.org/.