A Seaford resident and the head of a Wantagh charity has brought holiday joy to a Suffolk County family who had Christmas gifts stolen by burglars that broke into their North Bellport home over the weekend.
John Theissen of Seaford, who founded the Wantagh-based (JTCF) in 1992, was so touched when he saw tears on 12-year-old Madison Sabolenko's face following the burglary in a News 12 Long Island story that he arranged gifts for the family that were delivered Tuesday. Theissen, a MacArthur High School graduate, brought Madison and her brother Matthew electronic games, gift cards and toys courtesy of the JTCF, CBS New York reported.
Theissen also provided the Sabolenko family, who had their home donated just last year by Habitat for Humanity, with a $5,000 check, that can be viewed in this Newsday video. A News 12 Long Island video report of Theissen's charitable act toward the Sabolenkos can also be viewed by clicking here.
The JTCF is in the midst of , and held its annual on Dec. 1 at Mulcahy's Pub & Concert Hall in Wantagh. Theissen began the foundation soon after surviving a brain tumor that deprived him of his final years at MacArthur High School.
