On December 24, 2007 at United Skates of America in Massapequa no roller skaters could be found. However, what you could find when walking into the building at 3:00 p.m. was over 20 volunteers racing around putting together a very special event that would have made any Long Island resident proud.

There were over 100 coats spread around the facility ready for the taking, a station for Santa in the center of the rink with toys everywhere, and a spread of food that would make anyone's mouth water. Over 25 local businesses came together to provide over 40 trays of food, toys for the children attending and more. Each family went home with gift bags filled with items donated by local public schools John H. West Elementary School and Massapequa High School Care Club. Adrenaline Entertainment donated face painters, dancers and even provided a special visit from Santa for the children.

"I can honestly say that I did not anticipate the outpouring of support that we received from the community," said Karen Palermo, sales manager at United Skates, "almost every business that we contacted just wanted to know what they could do to help."

Ms. Palermo hopes that residents will recognize the companies that contributed, and continue to frequent those that continue to be a driving force within the Long Island community. Contributing businesses included: Five Point Investigations & Security (North Massapequa), Bertucci's of Westbury, Paddy's Loft, AAA Caterers, Sequa Deli, Hair Designs by Karen, Tarallo's, Broadway Gourmet, Fra Amici, Brightwaters Village Bakery, New Levittown Bake Shop, Waldbaums of North Massapequa, Herrs, Zorns of Bellmore, Cino's, Calvert Manor, Seaford Bagels, Stuff a Bagel, New Levittown Bake Shop, Fat Fish Bar & Bistro, Pasta Time, Mario's Pizza and Garden Gourmet. A special thanks also goes out to some of the volunteers that came together to make the night extra special: DJ LOS, The Farrell family of Patchogue, the Lafaso family of North Massapequa, the Carrique Family of Massapequa Park, the Fink family of North Massapequa and the Pollack family of Merrick.

"The best part of my night was watching how we put smiles on people's faces. I can't tell you how many of the volunteers at the event came up to me and told me that this was the best way that they had spent their Christmas in a long time. I know that the families that attended do not have much, but I know that for one evening we were able to provide lasting memories for them," said Palermo. "I've always felt that you need to be extraordinary as far as businesses go in order to survive in the Long Island market, and the only way to do that is actually being an active part of your community, I know that the businesses that came together for this event are a few of the extraordinary ones, and I am honored to have shared in the event with them."

United Skates hopes to double the attendance at the event next year, and hopes that local business owners will come through again with even more donations.