Indo-Caribbean members of the New York Police Department Desi Society partnered with the Church of the Nazarene in Ozone Park to spread holiday cheer, delivering toys and hope to Caribbean children just in time for Christmas.
The NYPD Desi Society, with strong Indo-Caribbean representation, has partnered for years with the Church of the Nazarene in Ozone Park, working together each Christmas to support children in need across the Caribbean community.
Church of the Nazarene Ozone Park Reverend, Errol Vieira, started the event by speaking about the Caribbean roots of his congregation and the growing needs facing many families in the community.
“I started this ministry really with most Trinidadians. It was seven Trinidadians and myself. They are still in this church today as foundation members of the church and there are quite a few of them that are in need. Our children are in much need in our community. Yes, people may say oh you guys are from New York and most people are rich and can do well, but the truth is that there are many, many poor people. Many, many single parents in New York. Stuff has tripled this year.”
Neil Nayaran, of the NYPD Desi Society, says the toy drive is part of a broader effort to build trust and strengthen relationships between police and the communities they serve.
“We are a Desi Society that represents all South Asians, Indo-Caribbean as well as Caribbean members of the civil and uniform members of the NYPD. With this org as well as the NYPD we create local partnerships as well as with the 106 precincts. This creates a stronghold, a strong partnership and a strong bond.”
That bond was on full display as officers and volunteers handed out toys—bringing smiles to children and relief to parents during a difficult economic year.
Organisers Shelly Ann Singh and Trudy Sydney say the drive is about more than gifts—it’s about ensuring no child feels forgotten during the holidays.
Shelly explained, “So the kids in this community. Some of their parents are able to provide for them and some are not. That’s where we come in and provide them with stuff just, just during Christmas but throughout the year.”
Trudy added, “The children who receive these gifts come from all over the community. All over. And as I said, NYPD and OZP has always partnered together and they are so happy to bless these children who come to receive these toys. Sometimes these toys may be the only toys they could get.”
Christmas is all about giving and it starts right here with the New York Police Desi Society in collaboration with the Church of the Nazarene, Ozone Park. They’ve brought smiles to the faces of very many children here amongst the Indo-Caribbean community in New York City. And really, it is a show of strength and hope amongst very many families who may not necessarily be able to give their child a gift this Christmas.