Her Birthday Wish: A Better Christmas for Others

Alexandra Carrus may have only turned 9 years old last May 23, but her birthday wish - to help others less fortunate than she during the holiday season - demonstrated maturity beyond her age.

Assistant Vice President of Genovese Leonard F. Genovese praised 9-year-old Alexandra Carrus, who donated her birthday gifts to the Toys for Tots Program at Genovese in Bellmore. Accompanying them are Major Chuck Kilbride of the U.S. Marines and Carrus' 11-year-old brother Matthew.

Because of Carrus' generous nature, each of the birthday gifts she received will be under the Christmas tree for Long Island youngsters who are recipients of the annual Toys for Tots drive. Carrus donated her presents to the U.S. Marine-sponsored program, she said, "Because I really wanted to help other kids have a better Christmas by giving them the great toys I received for my birthday."

She saw that come to fruition on Dec. 15 when the Marines came to the Genovese Drug Store in Bellmore to pick up the toys from the young girl. The Genovese Drug Chain has participated in the Toys for Tots Program for seven years now, with all 133 stores in the tri-state area serving as drop-off points for new toys since the day after Thanksgiving. Carrus chose the Bellmore Genovese to donate her gifts because her mother, Debbie, works nearby and shops at Genovese often. The family lives in Jericho and Carrus attends the Portledge School.

Genovese Assistant Vice President Leonard Genovese was on hand to congratulate the young lady and her family, and said, "This is one of the best gifts that anyone can give, especially coming from a young child. And that gift truly comes from the heart."