United Way & American Christmas Spread A Special Kind Of Holiday Cheer

MOUNT VERNON, NY — A Christmas wish is coming true in the Hudson Valley for 15 local families who haven't had the easiest year.

United Way of Westchester/Putnam and American Christmas, an iconic name in holiday decorating, have announced that they are collaborating this holiday season "to bring joy and festive spirit to 15 deserving Westchester families."

These families, who faced different challenges this past year, will receive fully decorated and pre-lit artificial Christmas trees for their homes from American Christmas.

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The families were nominated by local nonprofit organizations and faith-based groups in
Westchester.

One of the families receiving a tree has four children with special needs. One of the children is non-verbal with autism but was recently able to say "Merry Christmas"for the first time so the gift will make the holiday extra special for the family, even if the best gift this season came early and didn't come from under the tree.

All of the families will have the chance to visit the American Christmas storefront this month and decorate their new Christmas tree with ornaments from one of the largest selections in the region. Organizers believe that this hands-on experience will not only foster a sense of ownership but also create cherished memories for the families to treasure each year when they decorate for the season.

"We are proud to be able to do this for such deserving families. We know that Christmas can actually be a hard time for many so if we can make it a more joyful holiday with this gift, then we're more than happy to do so," American Christmas CEO Dan Casterella said. "This heartwarming initiative exemplifies the power of collaboration and community support, showcasing how organizations and businesses can come together to make a meaningful impact on the lives of those facing adversity."

The company's mission of spreading holiday cheer made the partnership with United Way and their mission of improving lives and creating a brighter future for the communities they serve, something of a holiday miracle.

"We are thrilled and immensely grateful to partner with American Christmas once again on this
uplifting holiday project," United Way of Westchester and Putnam's Melissa Preudhomme explained. "The holiday season is a time for giving, and together with American Christmas, we are making a tangible difference in the lives of these families, bringing warmth and joy when it is needed most."

About United Way of Westchester and Putnam

United Way of Westchester and Putnam is a leading nonprofit organization dedicated to improving the lives of individuals and families in Westchester and Putnam counties. The organization works collaboratively with local nonprofits, businesses, and community members to address critical needs and create positive, lasting change.

About American Christmas

American Christmas was founded in 1968 and acquired by MK Illumination in 2017, making it the largest provider of festive lighting in the world. It provides turnkey solutions for incredibly complex and intricate commercial Christmas displays used by retail stores, building lobbies, corporate headquarters, hotels, malls and more across 30 states. American Christmas services include design and development, manufacturing and assembly, distribution, installation, removal, refurbishment and storage. Find more information on the American Christmas website.