The Grant Family Annual Holiday Toy Giveaway

By Jennifer L. Warren

NEWBURGH – Hanibal Grant comes from a family rooted in many traditions; however, one in particular, holds a treasured place in his heart, serving as a genuine barometer for his evolution as a person: The Christmas Eve morning Annual Family Toy Giveaway at Montefiore St. Luke’s Cornwall Hospital.

“I’ve been involved with this event since I was seven years old when I didn’t really think much of it because I was so young, but as time goes by, I begin to think of it differently” reflected Hanibal, a 2022 Newburgh Free Academy graduate and now 20 year old college student. “It has really shaped my values, what is truly important in this life and who I’m growing into as a person; it’s made extra special having it as a family tradition because helping kids brings us together even more.”

That Grant cohesion was on full display Tuesday, as mother, Sonya Grant, clad in red and green elf attire-complete with pointy, beige ears- joyfully smiling as she uttered, “Merry Christmas,” rolled a large, red wheel barrow of 40 plus packages, including toys, activity books and comfort items, into the Emergency Room entrance to the hospital. She was closely followed by her similarly clad helper elves: Hanibal; older son, Ellyson, 24; and daughter, Sterling, 21, also NFA graduates. In past years, father, Dennis, has joined in on the familial, altruistic act, but this year work duties called. As with many long-standing traditions, the event has witnessed some modifications, such as direct toy presentation not always being possible due to Covid and this year’s recipients’ other serious health issues; however, the unwavering mission of the now formally titled, philanthropic-focused, Grant Foresight: spreading holiday cheer, providing comfort and distraction while fostering a sense of normalcy and promoting community and compassion, has remained steadfast.

“No child wants to be in the hospital for Christmas, but if they have to be, we want to make it the best possible experience, said Sonya Grant, whose family has resided in Newburgh for 21 years and envisioned the event 13 years ago as an impactful, hand-to-hand “gift –connection delivery,” complete with uplifting caroling throughout the children’s ward, and an emphasis on simply being fully present and in the moment, all ends the Grant family has had the honor, privilege, and sheer pleasure to fulfill over the years.

This year, a special, addition, three “guest elves,” joined the Grant’s toy delivery, reflecting the continual growth of this well-embraced, community tradition. Sonya’s Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority sister, Debbie Thomas, who works at the Hospital, along with her daughter, Ariel, and son, Seth, sported their elf costumes, as they accompanied the Grant clan and the toys into the hospital where they were met by a contingent of visibly appreciative emergency room staff. From there, the gifts were relayed to the office of the Director of the Emergency Department, where they would soon be lovingly turned over and eagerly embraced by an assortment of children.

“This is one of our favorite holiday traditions that bring so much joy to so many patients; it’s always hard to be in the hospital, and it’s especially hard during the holidays,” said Kate Dabroski, Spokesperson for Montefiore Saint Luke’s Hospital. “We get a lot of family donations this time of the year, and are really grateful for Sonya and all of the community support; it really does make a difference in all of our patients and family members.”

That priceless, life-altering difference extends to the Grant family members as well, all of whom are keenly reminded of what truly matters in this life each time they participate in this 13 years and going strong family tradition.

“When we really take down our masks and layers that we all wear, we really see clearly how we are all the same, whether it’s our wants, needs or desires, we have more in common than we realize,” said Sonya, who has raised her children to see the defining essence of one’s heart.

With each passing year of this event- as well as several other community venues they are involved with-that lesson- potent truth has become increasingly evident…to all three siblings.

“My favorite part is shopping for the gifts and the thought and care that goes into it,” said Hanibal. “We all go off of the feeling of what we would want in that situation, and it really makes you connect and understand what someone else is going through which is so important.”