It’s a Keith Christmas

Keith Caputo, founder of Helping Makes U Happy, and his mother, Cassy, have been actively prepping for holiday giving since September. Though, Cassy said, it’s an ongoing effort year-round.

The duo and their volunteers collect donations for toys to donate to families distinguished by the Center Moriches School District, neighbors in need as well as the William Floyd Learning Center.

“We reach out to the school district and learning center to get wish lists from families in need,” Cassy explained, noting they wrap and donate hundreds of toys each year in addition to an accompanying Christmas dinner and breakfast box.

This will be their sixth year collecting. Common items needed include Legos, dolls, cars and some of the hotlist items. Donation boxes for their drive can be found at the 7th Precinct and Island Empanada as well as an insurance company in Wading River, among others.

“Warming parents’ hearts and the kids’ happy faces,” Keith said of his “why” behind continuing his spirited holiday giving. “I love helping.”

For Cassy, she loves to see the volunteers.

“Inspiring people to help others,” she said of their mission and seeing volunteers and community members proud of what they collected. “It means our message is getting through.”

Keith will also continue to collect socks and pantry items for his comfort cases for the homeless and to maintain his Railroad Avenue blessing box.

Aside from toys, Cassy said, financial donations are always appreciated. The collections will go towards holiday gift shopping, she said. For more information visit: https://www.helpingmakesuhappy.org/donate. Or call Keith and Cassy at 631-878-1978.