Local “Idol” Helps CSEA Spread Holiday Spirit

American Idol star and Levittown resident, Kevin Covais.

Mineola, NY—December 5, 2006— The CSEA Local 830 has forged a new alliance with the EOC (Economic Opportunity Commission) this holiday season with the anticipation of collecting hundreds of toys for local children. 

Former “American Idol” star and Levittown resident Kevin Covais will be on hand when all the toys are unveiled at the Local 830 Holiday Party on December 20th, at the Crest Hollow Country Club in Woodbury. To top it off, the “Idol” star will be performing holiday melodies that night. 

The toys and gifts will then be distributed on December 22nd at 134 Jackson Street in Hempstead during the EOC’s 2006 “Christmas on Jackson Street.” 

Covais finished 11th in the 2006 season of the hit television show “American Idol, and became a national icon for his unique singing ability, and personality.  His father is retired sheriff John Covais, who was a former CSEA member out of the Nassau County Correctional Center. 

In addition, Covais will be a guest on Local 830’s radio show “Talkin Labor with Local 830”, Wednesday December 13th at 6:30pm on WGBB AM 1240, to discuss the need to be charitable, not just during the holiday season, but all year round. 

Local 830 has also engaged in adopting member families this year.  20 families have been adopted and have been divided throughout different departments and Unit Presidents who are responsible for gathering toys, books, toiletries and all essentials for these families to make their season more pleasurable.

CSEA Local 830 President Jerry Laricchiuta is proud of CSEA for their hard work in this endeavor and is happy to have Covais aboard to stress the significance of it.  “It’s important to realize there are a lot of people out there who aren’t able to enjoy the holiday season for various reasons,” Laricchiuta said.  “I’m just happy we have been able to step up as a team to try and make the season more enjoyable for the community.”