Levittown residents Ryan and Michael Steubing were recently treated to an early Christmas present when the Murphy Construction Company of Freeport offered to renovate the room the two brothers share in their home for free, making it 16x14 feet just in time for Christmas. Ryan and Michael, 19 and 14 respectively, were both diagnosed with Muscular Dystrophy at an early age and their current bedroom is not big enough for both boys and their wheelchairs and medical equipment.

According to Bill Murphy, who owns Murphy Construction Company with his brother, the Steubing family's situation was brought to their attention this year. Bob Policastrio, executive director of the Association for Technology Dependent Children who builds homes for handicapped children, told Murphy of this family approximately six months ago.

Murphy explained that the company has been taking part in such projects for the last 16 years, helping out one family each year in one way or another.

"Every year we try to help out a family," Murphy said, noting that the company rebuilt rooms for a family in Baldwin last year and in Freeport a few years ago.

To help get the ball rolling on the project, the Town of Hempstead expedited a building permit almost immediately so the room could be expanded in time for the holidays.

"Murphy Construction Company has done a wonderful thing by volunteering to rebuild the boys' room at no charge," said Town Supervisor Rich Guardino. "The town is privileged to be able to reward this spirit of giving by personally delivering the necessary building permit only one day after the application was received."

Guardino, together with Councilman Gary Hudes, presented the building permit to the family the day before Thanksgiving and Murphy Construction began pouring the foundation that same day.

Murphy noted that the funds necessary to complete this project were collected through fundraisers and donations. In addition to paying for the construction, donations are going toward trust funds for Ryan and Michael, and the Steubing family also had central air conditioning installed in their home. In addition to accepting mailed-in donations, a Christmas dinner was held for the family at MacArthur Park Restaurant in Rockville Centre on Dec. 15. Those who attended paid a $10 donation at the door and received a free buffet dinner.

"We put the money into trusts for the boys for whatever they need down the road," Murphy said. "They [will] need things as they get older. It's all about the kids, whatever we can raise."

Anybody who would like to send a monetary donation to the Steubing family may make checks out to the Steubing Family Fund and mail them to 92 Hampton Place, Freeport, NY 11520.