Hempstead Town Welcomes Holiday Season With Tree Lighting

Hempstead Town Welcomes Holiday Season With Tree Lighting

With help from friends like Santa Claus and local children, Hempstead Town Supervisor Kate Murray and members of the town board lit the Christmas Tree, Menorah and Kwanzaa Kinara during a holiday celebration at Hempstead Town Hall on December 9th.

In addition to the holiday lighting, there was a visit from Santa atop an antique fire engine and entertainment provided by the Jackson Main Elementary School chorus and the Freeport Christian Academy. During the evening's festivities, town residents and employees had the opportunity to donate toys for the Salvation Army and food for a donation drive hosted by the Town Hall Kiwanis Club. Many who joined in the celebration also bought "Beanie Baby" dolls to benefit the March of Dimes.

"I want to thank the town's CSEA Local 880 for again sponsoring the toy collection in concert with the Salvation Army," Murray said. "I am always inspired by the generosity of our community in helping to make the toy drive a true success."

The town's collection drive accounts for many of the toys that the local Salvation Army distributes to disadvantaged families to ensure that children in need have toys under the tree during the holiday season.

While demonstrating the spirit of the season through donations, families in attendance also sang festive carols along with the choirs as they cheerfully welcomed the holiday season to Hempstead Town.

"The lighting of the town Christmas Tree, Menorah and Kwanzaa Kinara is a celebrated tradition," Murray concluded. "I would like to wish everyone a happy, healthy and safe holiday season."