Nassau police take over 100 homeless children on Christmas shopping spree

LONG ISLAND - Christmas came early for some 100 children living in shelters or with relatives on Long Island.

Each child was given a $110 gift certificate to spend on whatever they wanted at Matty’s Toy Stop, courtesy of the Nassau County PBA.

“This is helping people on a day that they need help the most,” said James McDermott, Nassau County PBA President. “What’s Christmas like for a child without toys? They’re getting toys, and that’s great for us.”

The shopping spree, which totaled just over $10,000 in donated merchandise, is designed to build positive relationships between young children and law enforcement and even featured a visit from Santa.