A group of Long Island surfers has decided to put down their surfboards for a minute and spread some Christmas cheer to the children of Puerto Rico.
The crew packed up multiple boxes of toys Wednesday night at JFK Airport and headed for families left devastated by Hurricane Maria.
“Being a survivor of the community of Hurricane Sandy, we can relate and this stuff goes a long way,” Professional surfer Cliff Skudin said, as reported by Long Island News 12.
“We are really all doing this to bring the joy of Christmas to those that have been through a lot this year,” he added. “Being a survivor of the community of Hurricane Sandy, we can relate. You know, this stuff goes a long way.”
The toy delivery was arranged by Skudin Surf Shops with some help from JetBlue.
https://www.facebook.com/OPTYXLI/posts/496393617410268
“Surf For All” is one of the charities that helped distribute the Christmas gifts. Based in Long Beach, NY, their goal is to “provide individuals with disabilities the opportunity to surf and experience the ocean!”
The organization posted a video update of their trip at the weekend with the caption:
“Yesterday marked a very successful day of giving back to a community in Puerto Rico that was effected by Hurricane Maria. Hundreds of children received presentsfor Christmas. This mission would not be successful without teamwork – thank you to all that have gone out of your way to help others.”
“Thank you to all who helped make this possible. All For the kids!” Skudin Surf posted on Facebook with a link to an article about their work in Puerto Rico. “Was incredible to be apart of this team to help bring Christmas toys to those in the Mountains above Rincon Puerto Rico Atalaya (Rincón). I was able to witness the true love and joy of of so many,” Cliff Skudin added on his Facebook page.
Another video taken at JFK shows the sheer amount of toys being delivered to the Hurricane-ravaged nation. “The toys have arrived at JFK,” Ingrid Krumholz Dodd narrates. “The toys keep coming and coming!”
Supportive comments have been pouring in on social media. “That is so awesome for you guys to get this all together and make it happen. You guys are really great people. Great work!!!” one person wrote.
“Love is all you need,” another added.
“Thank You! Lots of blessings to all of you and all of those to made this possible! That’s the Spirit and the Attitude! I love you all!”
Watch the video of their work in Puerto Rico below:
https://www.facebook.com/surfforallny/videos/1741993709441040/?hc_ref=ARQ1zRKGbpILweui3JMo3mnOxzdH9Zvryqn31Q-68XjUN8-tnTmc_0R_j_MS3tkqbrk