9th annual Angel Project Luncheon held in Yonkers
Grandparents at the event were also treated to a hot buffet, Christmas-themed cake and two separate raffles.
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A record high number of 207 grandparents, who serve as primary caregivers, received holiday gifts Thursday afternoon as part of The Angel Project.
The event was started by Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins nine years ago as a way to thank grandparents for all they do.
"Usually during this time of the year, they're toy drives, so children are able to get toys. But nobody is asking the caregivers, in many cases these grandparents, what they want," said Senator Stewart-Cousins.
Santa made a celebrity appearance at the event, helping to pass out this year's gifts.
When asked why some of the grandparents stepped up to help out their grandkids, the answer was simple. It's simply because they care.
"Because I love them. I love them man," said Ricardo Wiltshire, a grandfather of five.
Another recipient was Angela Bayer Persico, who currently has full custody of one of her granddaughters, 4-year-old Harley.
Harley was born with bilateral cleft palate and unilateral hearing loss.
Persico has been taking care of her since she was 2 months old.
She is additionally a full time educator, and takes Harley to therapy five times a week.
"It is a lot on my plate constantly, and so here, I was I invited to come to the Angel Project, and this is like, 'What, really? Something for us?' Usually, its all about her or all about my kids, that's it," said Persico.
Grandparents at the event were also treated to a hot buffet, Christmas-themed cake and two separate raffles.
