Dickens Festival: Bringing the Joy of the Holidays to Children
Holiday Event to Include Food, Toy & Clothing Collections for Children;
Features New Christmas Tree Parade & Performers Along E. Main Street

Port Jefferson, NY: For the first time, the Dickens Festival is conducting a charitable component at this year’s wonderful holiday event. The merchants of East Main Street and the Greater Port Jefferson Northern Brookhaven Arts Council are asking festival visitors to bring non perishable food, unwrapped toys or new children's clothing to help those in need on Dec. 1st and 2nd.  Adding to the charitable and holiday atmosphere of the Dickens Festival will be a decorated Christmas Tree Parade along East Main Street.

The food collection drive is part of the Infant Jesus Church's Parish Outreach Program, while the group Christmas Magic will be distributing the donated new toys and children's clothing.  Christmas Magic is an organization that answers over 5,000 letters to Santa from Suffolk County's under privileged children. The referrals for the needy children come from domestic abuse shelters, child protective services, and a variety of agencies.

“Our goal is to bring a moment of hope to the less fortunate children of our communities.  Christmas Magic is all about ensuring that every child and every family experiences and takes part in the joy of the holiday season,” said Stacy Davidson, of Pattern Finders, who is working with Christmas Magic in memory of her late husband, Michael Manaloris.  “Michael looked forward all year to playing Santa for the Mastic Beach American Legion for over 30 years,” Davidson added, “In this light, I feel his goal of bringing joy to children will continue for years to come.”

Christmas Magic delivers up to 25,000 gifts to some 5,000 children throughout Suffolk County living in homeless shelters or impoverished homes. According to Davidson, readers can pick up the letters, shop, wrap and then drop off their presents at, Pattern Finders 128 East Main Street Port Jefferson for holiday distribution. For more information on Christmas Magic, contact Stacy Davidson at 631-928-5158.

The Dickens Festival will be introducing a Christmas Tree Parade on East Main Street that will include 16 Christmas Trees decorated by local groups. The parade will stretch the entire length of the block. Any nonprofit group that would like a free space for the two days of the festival, or wishes to decorate a tree, please email John Cotter at jrcotter@optonline.net or Davidson at Apattern@aol.com. 

Representatives of Jesus Church's Parish Outreach Program and Christmas Magic will be present to accept the donations. The Save a Pet animal rescue organization will also be present.

Joining the food, toy and children’s clothes drive and the Christmas Tree Parade will be musicians performing along East Main Street and inside the shop, which will be having specials for the day.