STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. — When it comes to the season of giving, the Central Family Life Center is always ready to step in.
The nonprofit community outpost recently hosted its annual “Room at the Inn” event, which welcomed hundreds of local families for a day of giveaways, food, health screenings and more — all at no cost to attendees.
“This event originally started through the [First Central Baptist Church] as a way to welcome in community,” said Antoinnette Donegan, MAP (Mayor’s Action Plan for Neighborhood Safety) engagement coordinator for the Central Family Life Center in Stapleton and an associate minister for the Stapleton-based First Central Baptist Church. “The theme is taken from the biblical story of Jesus’ birth, where there was ‘no room in the inn.’ The event has been held over 10 years at the [Central Family Life Center], over 20 years at the church.”
According to Donegan, hundreds of families attend the event, where “all children are given gifts, treated to sweets treats and welcome to participate in activities.” She referred to the event — which is powered by donations from community partners and unrestricted funds from the center — as Central Family Life Center’s way of giving back.
With the holiday spirit still abounding, Donegan hoped Staten…
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