Paolo is a 6-year-old boy from Maspeth who has Cerebral Palsy.  The IWL helped his family purchase a special, adaptive tricycle.

"I just want to share with you that we received the bike.  My son absolutely loves it!  He had to try it out the second it got here. 

Myself and my husband want to thank you from the bottom of our hearts for this.  With all the craziness going on its amazing how much you were able to help us make ou...

The IWL gave 54 families $500 gift cards for groceries and general needs through a special Covid-19 grant program, made possible by the Francesco and Mary Giambelli Foundation.  The Giambelli Foundation gave $15,000 for this program and the IWL matched with $11,500 in grants.

Dear ltalian Welfare League,

My husband and I wanted to extend a very heart filled thank you for your generous donation to our son Jack. The donation towards obtaining guardianship for Jack has made a huge impact on our lives.

Raising a child with autism is nothing you could ever imagine ... and we were blessed with two, 16 months apart. Obtaining services for them to help benefit their lives is a daily struggle. They both have enriched our lives in every way. Their smiles light up...

The League recently enabled an autistic 8-year-old boy to participate in activities at a Yorktown Heights facility that provides social, therapeutic and recreational services for special needs children.

"To the Italian Welfare League:
Thank you so much for helping us out in our time of need. Your generosity towards my son is overwhelming! I thank you for all the good work you do for our special children. May God bless you all!!"

The IWL helped these children from the Bronx stay in their schools after a family tragedy left them temporarily without a home or belongings.

From their Mom:
"I am crying I can never thank you enough for what you have done. You have been an angel to me. I cannot even put into words our gratitude. I am overwhelmed with thankfulness."

This donation was partly funded by the Italian American Forum (IAF).

This autistic 18-year-old from Coram, NY aspires to be a game coding professional. IWL donated funds for a 20-session training program at Game U., which teaches kids with disabilities how to code and design video games.

"Italian Welfare League,

     Thank you again for the generous grant donation for my son, Joseph.  It meant the world to us. Happy New Year and God bless!"

For our annual "Adopt-a-Child-for-Christmas" program, the IWL spread holiday cheer to a four-year-old boy from New York who lost younger twin siblings in a tragic accident this past summer. The League presented him with gift cards, to Dave and Busters and Chuck E. Cheese, goggles and swim lessons.

Marathon runner and mother of two of our grant recipients in 2016, Lisa Tuozzolo, was interviewed while running the NY Marathon and featured in the NY Post. The IWL gave gift cards to this family after NYPD Sergeant Paul Tuozzolo was killed in the line of duty.

Read Article Here

"Dear Members of the Italian Welfare League,

I don't know if I can find the words to thank you. Jonathan is a very special boy. He is funny, quick-witted, sassy, loving and smart.  Unlike many kids though, he has to work so hard for EVERYTHING! He can act out and get frustrated when he isn't understood.

He loves words and getting his point across. He will find a way to be understood. Thank you for helping him get more PROMPT sessions. He is  speaking now because of this. We really appreciate all o...