Our Residents

Three families at Robinson Gardens Apartments had gifts from a special Santa Claus this year.

Thanks to long-time Robinson Gardens sponsor Santino Tomassini, the families were able to take home complete Christmas dinners, from ham and potatoes to stuffing, rolls, gravy and even dessert.

The lucky families expressed joy and gratitude for the gifts Tomassini sends at exactly the right time of year.

Keishliand Sanchez and her daughter Keishalys Calderon-Sanchez, age 4, at Robinson Gardens Apartments.

“This is just great,” said Keishliand Sanchez, mother of two young children. “It will be our Christmas dinner. We appreciate this a lot, it helps for sure.”

Kelly Robblets, also the mother of two, also expressed her thanks.

“We’re very grateful,” said Robblets, who will be celebrating with her husband, children, and the ham dinner she received as part of Tomassini’s generosity.

“This helps a lot. There’s always so much to buy and to do at the holidays, this is just one thing we no longer have to worry about what we can afford. It’s going to be a great Christmas for us,” Robblets said.

The annual holiday dinners – this is Tomassini’s fifth year making the donations – is put together with help from Talk/Read/Succeed!, SHA’s family-based early literacy program. Youth Engagement Coordinator Jimmie Mitchell noted that the gifts from Tomassini are ongoing, and year-round.

“He just loves us and wants to help us,” Mitchell said. “For that we are very grateful. What he gives goes a long way to helping our youth and our families. At this time of year, the name of the game is giving.”

Muhawenimana Julienne and her daughter Sandra, who is 2, at Robinson Gardens Apartments.

Robinson Gardens T/R/S! Program Coordinator Lynne Cimino agreed, noting that for the families chosen, the gift of holiday dinner makes all the difference.

Mother of five Muhawenimana Julienne said she and her family are “very grateful.

“We want to thank Mr. Tomassini who is so generous,” she said.