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Xaverian rings in Christmas season with it’s own Santa

December 4, 2014 Anna Spivak

Photo courtesy of Penney Santo

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‘Tis the season to be selfless!

The Ralph J. Sansone Foundation is giving back to local children this holiday season, thanks to a certain “Santo” helper.

Dominick Santo Jr., a junior at Xaverian High School, has aided the non-for-profit community service organization for the past two years by collecting donations for its annual Children’s Christmas Party.

This year, however, the high-schooler decided to “change it up.” He asked willing participants not only to drop off donations, but to stop by his Dyker Heights home on November 29 and enjoy a cup of coffee or hot chocolate and share their favorite Christmas story.

All fundraising proceeds go directly toward gifts and other extras for the Children’s Christmas Party to be held in the third week of December at The Sansone Foundation office.

“Dominick Santo did this on his own for us,” said Lisa Bova, community coordinator at The Sansone Foundation. “He’s been a lifelong member of The Sansone Foundation, but he did this on his own and then donated the money to us.”

“He helped me raise $300 or $400 last year through just family members,” added Santo’s mother, Penney Santo. “D’Amico Coffee was generous enough to donate the coffee to Dominick. He sent out letters and on Saturday he stood outside [as people came by and told stories and made donations]. He wanted to give back. We’re very proud of him.”

Bova, who has been a friend of the Santo family for years, was not surprised by Dominick’s generosity and willingness to help others.

“This woman [Penney Santo] will take the clothes off her back to help anybody, anywhere, and by doing that, she has taught her own children to be just as amazing with people in need,” said Bova. “We are so proud and honored to know this family.”

The Sansone Foundation office is located at 5816 13th Avenue. For more information, call718-436-7270 or visit http://ralphjsansonefoundation.wordpress.com.