Kick-Off the Holiday Season, Shop Locally and Help Save Lives

November 22, 2010- Holiday shopping kicks into high gear this week and Long Islanders have a great opportunity to shop locally, while simultaneously helping the Long Island Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence (LICADD) save lives. That’s because LICADD is once again a proud participant in the Champions for Charity holiday shopping benefit taking place from Tuesday, December 2nd to Thursday, December 4, 2010 in the stores at the Americana Manhasset and Wheatley Plaza in Greenvale. Twenty-five percent (25%) of registered shoppers’ pre-tax purchases on the designated days will be donated to LICADD to support the agency’s alcohol and drug prevention programs for children and young adults.

LICADD Vice Chair Caryn Hirshleifer of Hirshleifer’s, located in the Americana Manhasset said, “I am committed to the work of LICADD because it offers direction and hope to those who have gone without both for so long.  Without judgment or blame, it offers support to families that have been ravaged by the disease of alcoholism and drug dependence.  And finally, LICADD works to give youth the skills needed to make social decisions that are consistent with their overall health and emotional well-being. Participation in this shopping benefit is a fabulous opportunity to honor your loved ones by donating to a charity dedicated to helping at-risk families.”

Hirshleifer’s will help LICADD kick-off the shopping event with a holiday reception at their store on Thursday, December 2nd from 6-8PM. Refreshments will be served and representatives will be on-hand to sign shoppers up for a complimentary Champion Card. LICADD’s Executive Director Dr. Jeffrey L. Reynolds stated, “There’s no better way to celebrate the meaning of the season than helping to save the lives of young adults and bring families back together. We thank Rita and Frank Castagna and the team at Castagna Realty, Hirschleifer’s, and all the participating stores for helping us during these challenging times.”

For more information, visit www.championsforcharity.org, call 516.627.2277 or contact LICADD directly at 516-747-2606.