Mission: Community mayors, inc. Is an all-volunteer organization providing recreational therapy for children with special needs from the ny metro area for more than fifty years. Over 50,000 special children benefit each year from the numerous events organized and sponsored by the community mayors, including operation santa claus, summer camp scholarship program and outings to memorable places such as the bronx zoo, new york aquarium, intrepid sea air and space museum, the circus, and botanical gardens.
Programs: Recreation therapy - operation santa claus - operation santa claus at jfk airport, port authority hanger #19: over 4,000 special needs children are entertained in a hanger provided by the port authority police. They are served snacks & refreshments, receive toys and watch macy's santa claus arrive via delta air lines shuttle while they celebrate the season. It is a spectacular experience.
recreation therapy - amusement parks - approximately 3,300 children enjoy games, rides and clowns at brooklyn's amusement parks.
recreation therapy - zoos:the bronx zoo: one thousand special needs children from the bronx and manhattan spend a fun-filled day at this world renowned facility. The prospect park zoo, brooklyn: one thousand special needs children enjoy visiting the animals and going on rides.
recreation therapy - other events:athletes and kids at st. John's university: this is a hands on experience for the children to learn about team sports and get to participate on the court/field both individually and in small groups with scholar-athletes. Many of the st. John's university community have expressed a desire to also become community mayors/associate mayors upon graduation. The intrepid sea, air and space museum: special children visit the famous aircraft carrier and experience an exciting day of living history, enjoy a movie, served lunch by mcdonalds or restaurants associates and are entertained by clowns. Ringling bros. And barnum & bailey circus at madison square garden: special children are entertained by the ringling bros. And barnum & bailey's greatest show on earth; toys are distributed. Summer camp: each child awarded the scholarship attends a sleep away camp of their choice for one to three weeks. This teaches the children independence and builds their self esteem.
A friend introduced me to the Community Mayors organization this past year and I absolutely love their cause! In the past, I have volunteered for the Special Olympics and my sister is a special ed teacher so their mission of providing smiles for children with disabilities is something that is near and dear to me. They host several events in the NYC area throughout the year and their biggest one, Operation Santa held at JFK airport is phenomenal. Over 4,000 children are given a chance to meet the Macy's Santa and are given goody bags. As a donor to this org, I am 110% confident my donation is being distributed properly and I enjoy seeing tangible results.
This organization provides wonderful experiences for children with special needs. Its heartwarming for me to see these children making memories to bring home and cherish. Most of these children will never get an opportunity like this to enjoy the rides at Denis wonder wheel, the Ringling Bros circus and more. I cherish my time with the children but I also cherish my time with the other volunteers. The Community Mayors volunteers are special in their own way. Many have Been volunteering at these events for 30 years or more. At the end of the day I feel really good about myself and count my blessings. I leave these events with a much needed renewal faith in mankind.
