Angel of Coconut Creek

Coconut Creek resident Irene Feldman had no idea that a trip to the cardiologist would lead to 10 years of generosity. Every holiday season since that visit a decade ago, Feldman has donated toys to needy children through the Fort Lauderdale-based Children’s Aid Club.

“There was a sign on the door [from the Children’s Aid Club] at the cardiologist’s office that said toys would be appreciated for needy kids, and that’s all I had to see,” Feldman says. “I went to Walmart and filled up two bags of toys, and, from then on, it’s been a tradition for me and my husband.”

Helping children always has been important to Feldman. As a teacher in the South Bronx for 25 years, she used to buy everything from pencils and paper to winter coats and gloves for her students.

“I grew up in the South Bronx very poor. I’m lucky I had anything to play with, so I know what it’s like,” Feldman says. “Every kid should get something to open during the holidays.”

The Feldmans have spent between $8,000 and $10,000 on toys since they began donating, including $1,200 last year. They now rent a storage space every year to accommodate everything they buy.

“I shop from the week before Christmas until October [of the following year], and I fill up a locker from floor to ceiling,” Feldman says. “Last year, 40 families got my toys, so, for 40 families, there’s maybe three to four kids in a family. I try to pick out for boys and girls … and games that children can play together.”

Though Feldman’s generosity has inspired some of her friends to donate, the majority of the gifts come from the Feldmans. Irene says the staff at the Children’s Aid Club and the families they serve are always grateful for the help.

They have even dubbed her the “Angel of Coconut Creek.”

“I get the most beautiful cards from the counselors and the members [thanking us for donating], so it’s something that gives us great joy,” Feldman says. “If everyone would just open their hearts and once a year buy one toy, they would make a lot of kids happy.”

For information on how to donate toys for the holidays, contact Feldman at 954.977.9795 or visit childrensaidclub.com.

You May Also Like
Find Your Circle Wherever You Land With the Les Amis App

Loosely translated from French as “Hey, Friends,” the app was designed to make meeting like-minded women in real life feel natural, not awkward.

Read More
Women on Top

These ladies are proof positive that fabulous is found at any age when you set your priorities and make yourself one of them.

Read More
Rooms with a Point of View

9 South Florida interior designers share the spaces that define their signature style.   

Read More
La Vie en Rose: Actor, Singer, Songwriter – the List Goes On…

Tommi Rose defines versatility, and it all started right here in Fort Lauderdale.  

Read More
Other Posts
eséna Facial Bar Debuts in Downtown Oakland Park

Quick, luxurious, and budget-friendly, eséna Facial Bar’s express treatments empower busy customers to prioritize their skincare and wellness needs effortlessly.

Read More
BE BOLD Leadership Campaign Raises $415 Million to Help Strengthen Broward’s Future

The Community Foundation of Broward’s BE BOLD Leadership Campaign has secured the funding to address the county’s most pressing challenges, ensuring long-term philanthropic impact through bold giving.

Read More
Parkland 17 Memorial Foundation Unveils Design for Students Lost in MSD Tragedy

The official public memorial is moving forward with artist Gordon Huether’s design.

Read More
The Dating Game

What’s it like for South Florida singles seeking meaningful connections in middle age? With perseverance and a sense of humor, love can be found.

Read More