The 9th Annual Kids Need More Holiday Cheer Bus Elf Ride
Ed Shin
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On Sunday Dec. 17th, Kids Need More had their 9th Annual Holiday Cheer Bus Elf Ride launch from Amityville. What started in 2015 with just 2 buses and a few volunteers has grown so much over the years. School buses, couches, shuttles, and party buses were all used this year to help spread the cheer.
This year being their biggest event yet. With over 1000 volunteer elves and Santas they were able to help over 1,200 kids coping with life-threatening illnesses all over Long Island, New York City, and New Jersey. They filled giant bags with holiday wishes and set out on their fleet of 43 buses. 430 stops were made for children who are not just sick but to their siblings, as well families living in 3 different shelters. These families did not have to pay a single penny for these holiday wishes.
During the Holiday Cheer Bus Elf Ride volunteer elves compete in silly challenges to win the Holiday Cup of Cheer. This is a huge trophy that looks much like the Stanley Cup but of the North Pole. With many new and returning teams the two-time champions The Nog Chugging Cheer Mongers may or may not win this year. Will they become three-time champions? It’s anybody’s guess! The points are still being tallied and the winning team will be announced at the 7th Annual Kids Need More Mitchell Kraeling Memorial Gala event on Saturday, Jan. 26, 7PM at The Coral House, 70 Milburn Avenue, Baldwin NY. To check out more events and other things happening with Kids Need More check out their website www.kidsneedmore.org.
The 9th Annual Kids Need More Holiday Cheer Bus Elf RideEd ShinThe 9th Annual Kids Need More Holiday Cheer Bus Elf RideEd ShinThe 9th Annual Kids Need More Holiday Cheer Bus Elf RideEd ShinThe 9th Annual Kids Need More Holiday Cheer Bus Elf RideEd ShinThe 9th Annual Kids Need More Holiday Cheer Bus Elf RideEd ShinThe 9th Annual Kids Need More Holiday Cheer Bus Elf RideEd ShinThe 9th Annual Kids Need More Holiday Cheer Bus Elf RideThe 9th Annual Kids Need More Holiday Cheer Bus Elf RideEd ShinThe 9th Annual Kids Need More Holiday Cheer Bus Elf RideEd ShinThe 9th Annual Kids Need More Holiday Cheer Bus Elf RideEd ShinThe 9th Annual Kids Need More Holiday Cheer Bus Elf RideEd ShinThe 9th Annual Kids Need More Holiday Cheer Bus Elf RideEd ShinDr. Joseph Mills & MaryAnn MillsEd ShinDonna Andrino & Rose Hill sponsored Team Three CheersEd ShinBabylon Town Supervisor Rich SchafferEd ShinSponsor Jonathan Abrams from Gershow RecyclingEd ShinKevin McCaffrey, Suffolk County Leg District 14 & Babylon Town Supervisor Rich SchafferEd ShinKids Need More Founder Melissa Firmes-Ray, Sponsor Jonathan Abrams from Gershow Recycling & Kids Need More Founder Johnny RayEd Shin
