Through Ayco’s giving program, associates also planned and hosted a holiday party for the Ronald McDonald House Charities of the Capital Region, Inc. House director Debbie Ross said the event gave ill children “the chance to take a fun break from treatment and hospitals.”
For the third year in a row, the event was held at the New York State Museum. Families enjoyed a night of holiday festivities including a special visit from Santa Claus. Parents selected gifts purchased by Ayco volunteers from a secret “North Pole” room and children received the gifts from Santa later in the night.
“One interaction I had a few years ago at this event keeps me coming back,” said Timothy Macherone, an associate in Ayco’s Family Office who volunteered in the “North Pole” room. “A woman with six children picked out gifts and at the end asked me how much she owed. When I told her it was all free, she broke down crying with gratitude. We all get wrapped up in our own challenges, but when you see people who have to go through the worst with their children and they are so positive, happy and appreciative, it puts things in perspective.”
This year, Ayco associates adopted 28 children at the Franklin Community Center in Saratoga Springs, New York. Through Ayco’s giving program, volunteers purchased at least one gift for the children in each of four categories: something they want, something they need, something to wear and something to read. Volunteers also helped staff at the Franklin Community Center sort and distribute other holiday gifts donated for families in need.
