Local law enforcement is rallying to support children in need this holiday season with the second annual Long Island Law Enforcement Charity Car Show and Toy Drive on Saturday, Nov. 16. The event will feature an assortment of law-enforcement vehicles from across Long Island, on display from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Levitt Ballfield, 286 Hawkins Road, Centereach.
Landan Hoenig, a 21-year-old Selden resident and founder of Teddies for Happiness, came up with the event to serve a variety of needs, among them providing toys for children in need, especially those in hospitals, and strengthening the bond between law enforcement and the community.
“I founded the event and the charity foundation last year after I was doing an internship with one of the East End law-enforcement agencies (specifically Southampton). I wanted to try to help build relations between law enforcement and the community while also doing something to help those in need,” Hoenig said.
Hoenig, a traffic control officer with Southampton, has used his connections to expand the event's reach. This year, the show will benefit Stony Brook Children’s Hospital, a local women’s shelter, and the food pantry at St. Cuthbert’s Episcopal Church in Selden. “I have over 25 total (law enforcement) agencies coming to the event and they’re from all over the county, and all over Long Island—from New York City to the East End on the federal, state, county, local and transportation levels,” he said.
The event is free, and attendees are encouraged to bring new, unwrapped toys. Last year, 200 toys were donated. Hoenig hopes this year’s show will help brighten the holiday season for local children.
In addition to the cars, the event will feature games, music from WBAB (102.3) and WBLI (106.1), and giveaways from Chick-fil-A. A small-scale canine demonstration may also take place, along with opportunities to learn more about law enforcement. There is no rain date scheduled.
Hoenig has received support from local officials since the event’s inception. Brookhaven Town Councilmember Jonathan Kornreich has helped secure the venue and spread the word. Last year, Brookhaven Town Clerk Kevin LaValle and Suffolk County Legislator Nick Caracappa also supported the event with donations and promotion.
Despite his deep involvement in law enforcement, Hoenig does not plan to pursue a career in the field. He is majoring in adolescent education at St. Joseph’s University in Patchogue, with plans to teach history and criminal justice.
For those new to the event, Hoenig encourages people to “come out and support a great cause that will help children and build relations.”