Farmingdale State lacrosse team delivers holiday gifts to local nonprofit’s elementary school

For the 20th year in a row, athletes from the Farmingdale State College Men’s Lacrosse Team delivered holiday presents to elementary school kids at the People’s Arc of Suffolk County Educare Center in Bohemia on Wednesday, Dec. 17, bringing holiday cheer to children living with intellectual and developmental disabilities. 

Each year, the lacrosse team raises money to buy the presents, then wraps and delivers them the week before Christmas. The gift-bearing players arrive at a celebration at the center, complete with holiday music, festive treats and a visit from Santa Claus.

“We came here 20 years ago and saw what the staff and the teachers were doing with the kids and thought it was amazing. We’ve been back every year since,” said Sean Chamberlain, coach of the FSC lacrosse team. “It’s rewarding. These players get to learn a lot when they come here and see the challenges these children have and realize how good they have it.”  

The People’s Arc of Suffolk Educare Center serves children ages 3 through 21 years of age who have a range of intellectual and developmental needs, as well as those who are medically fragile. It includes services built around multisensory, physical therapy, music and movement and an individualized educational approach to help students reach their full potential.

“Everyone deserves the thrill that our students get out of this event,” said Dana Schillinger, VP of children’s services for People’s Arc of Suffolk. “As a child, thinking about Santa coming down the chimney is exciting. Having Santa in your school giving you presents is an even more thrilling experience.”