While many children spend their Bar Mitzvah money on video game systems or a new bike, 13-year-old Eli Rousso decided to use his money for charity. The teen from Roslyn donated a new basketball hoop to the children who live at SCO Family of Services' St. Christopher's Home in Sea Cliff.

Eli first learned about SCO when the Sid Jacobson Jewish Community Center held Basketball Extravaganza, an annual basketball clinic for special needs kids. He worked closely with children from St. Christopher's Home. After basketball season, he went to visit St. Christopher's Home and saw that the basketball court was removed because of the construction of the new school. He whispered to his mother, "Mom, where are they going to play basketball?"

A recognition ceremony was held recently, where the basketball hoop was dedicated to Eli. His family members were present to celebrate this momentous occasion, but, most importantly, to witness the excitement of the children. "We are so proud of Eli. He just wants them [the children at St. Chris] to enjoy the things that he enjoys," Faith Rousso, Elli's mother, said. Natalie Rousso Bushell, Eli's grandmother, was present at the ceremony, too. She mentioned that Eli's action defines the meaning of mitzvah - any act of human kindness. After the ceremony, the children played basketball with Eli and cooled down with lemonade and cookies.

Eli says he is happy that the kids now have a basketball court to play on. Aside from playing on the Roslyn Middle School Basketball team and the Island Garden-Long Island Lighting team, Eli enjoys volunteering in his spare time. "I like volunteering a lot. I've gone to the Special Olympics and I hope to get a chance to work with the kids from St. Chris again."

SCO Family of Services is a nonprofit agency that helps children and strengthens the foundation of families in need throughout the New York Metropolitan area. Their flagship program, St. Christopher's Home, has been located in neighboring Sea Cliff since 1897. Last year, SCO provided care and services for more than 30,000 New York City and Long Island children and their families. Additional programs provide residences and services for adults with special needs.