They weren’t seasoned fundraisers. They weren’t corporate sponsors. They were middle and high school students.
And this year, they swept the season.
For the first time, next-generation leaders The Disco Elves — seventh and eighth graders from St. Patrick’s School in Huntington — were named 2025 Holiday Cheer Bus Champions. Competing against 51 other teams, including seasoned adult divisions, these students demonstrated excellence across fundraising, preparation, leadership, and execution. As part of their season, they raised more than $22,000 while fully embracing their roles as festive holiday elves — building a season of fun, connection, and friendship for children and families living with serious illness and other life challenges.
The Junior Cup was awarded to Haley’s Hope, led by high school students Mark and Nicholas Herman. The team was created in memory of their friend and classmate Haley, who lost her life to aggressive cancer last year, and her mother, Dr. Shridevi “Shri” Singh, a respected West Islip breast cancer surgeon who passed away just two weeks later.
Forming this team is truly love in action. Haley’s Hope transformed grief into generosity, bringing joy to families facing the very battles their friend endured.
The ceremony also introduced the Legacy Champions Circle, inducting past titleholders More the Merrier (2020), The Nog Chugging Cheer Mongers (2021 and 2022), Team Joy (2023), and Reindeer Rebels (2024). These former champions will now compete in an exclusive Champions Division, honoring their legacy while raising the bar for future seasons.
A Movement Larger Than a Day
In 2025, more than 2,500 volunteers mobilized across Long Island. Fifty-two decorated bus teams visited more than 2,000 children in a single day.
But Holiday Cheer Bus is not a one-day event.
In the months leading up to the big day, teams raise funds, collect gifts, coordinate meals, decorate trees and porches, learn the individual wishes of each child, and prepare personalized experiences designed to make families feel seen and supported. The passion the teams carry for the families they visit was felt just as strongly at the awards celebration.
With volunteers filling the room in full team gear, the afternoon felt less like a ceremony and more like a reunion of heroes. Led by Melissa “Mistletoe” Firmes and Johnny “Jingles,” with high-energy support from Eddie O and the Kids NEED More team, the celebration honored not just gift delivery — but impact. Each team designs its Cheer Bus experience to create connection, dignity and lasting memories.
A touching moment came when Olivia — a sparkly, feisty girl known for proudly wearing Johnny’s fedora — traveled in while courageously navigating multiple spinal surgeries. As she entered, the room rose to applause. Celebrity in the house!
Additional Award Winners
Sharing is Caring Award: Carole Rutkovsky & Cara Donaldson for their incredible generosity
Most Kind & Most Popular Bus: Peppermint Patties
Community Impact Award: Howie’s Heart, for raising awareness for Elias, a child in need of a kidney transplant.
Rookie of the Year: Roto Rudolph, led by the cesspool pros!
MVP of the Year: Mr. Lightning and team led Amanda Bulzoni
Teams Recognized
Teams recognized at the ceremony included CYL, Howie’s Heart, Mr. Lightning, Latke Loves, South Shore Boaters, Reindeer Rebels, Team Joy, Peppermint Patties, Roto Rudolph, Smile Squad, Disco Elves, Haley’s Hope, No Sleep Till Brooklyn, Carole’s Carolers, Girl Scout Troop #3823, Best in Snow, All the Jingle Ladies, Jenn’s Jolly Jinglers, MERRY MERRY TREE-mendous!, Quilting Angels, Soul Brothers and Sisters, North Pole Ninjas, IBEW, Mikey G’s Embracing Wings Foundation, Sleigh All The Way: Giggling Elves, The Jolly Helpers, Winter Wonder Wheels, Eagle ExPress, Elected Elf Officials, It’s All About The Kids, Jingle Ballers, KiDS NEED MoRE Memories, Ladies Loving Life, LC / Reindeer Rebels, Parker’s Elves, Ponti-elves Giving Express, Bulldog BLITZENS, Copiague Kringlers / Platinum Plum Fairies, Kings Park Kringles, The Holiday Hawks, Half Hollow Hills Robotics, NCL Jingle Bells (South Shore), Santa’s Little Lions, KC Sparklers, Rollin’ with The Snowmies, The Caring Crew, Mini Marshmallows, The Hercobheimers, Merry Makers, and the Silver and Gold Team.
Powered by Community
The Holiday Cheer Bus continues to grow thanks to the generosity of community partners including the Suffolk County Alliance of Chambers, Toys for Tots, the Town of Babylon, the H.W. Wilson Foundation, Sharing Is Caring, Light the World, With Pride Air Conditioning & HVAC, Pete Buccino and Viking Apparel, Carney’s Irish Pub & Restaurant, M&V Limousines Ltd., Camelot Specialty Limos, Coachman Luxury Transport, Guardian Bus Company, Inc., Elegant Limousine, and many others who gave time, transportation, funding, and heart to the mission.
More than 2,000 children were visited this year — but the impact extended far beyond doorsteps.
Because at KiDS NEED MoRE we know, childhood only happens once. Let’s make it a good one.
To get involved, visit kidsneedmore.org or email info@kidsneedmore.org.
