PEF grants holidays wishes to needy children and deserving parolees

ALBANY, NY (12/06/2013)(readMedia)-- Leaders and members of the New York State Public Employees Federation (PEF) will share the holiday spirit by wrapping donated gifts for families and children who are in need.

The gift wrapping event which includes assembling holiday food baskets will take place

Saturday, December 7 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at PEF Headquarters in Latham, 1168-70 Troy-Schenectady Road.

Some of the gifts and food baskets will be given to families of parolees who are working but financially limited in spending, and who have shown they have turned their lives around.

The family of parolee Hanif Sanders will be at the event at 11:15 a.m. and will receive a basket. He is willing to speak to members of the media about the support and assistance he has received from state parole officers.

Parole officers and other PEF members donated the gifts. The toys also will be given to the children at St. Margaret's Center in Albany and to the Marine Corps' Toys for Tots program.

This event marks the 23rd year PEF members fulfilled the wish lists from parolee families and the children of St. Margaret's. PEF President Susan M. Kent will be among those wrapping the gifts.