Holidays

HARLEM COMMUNITY NEWSPAPERS HOLIDAYS HCCI and Jackie Robinson Park Conservancy Give Gifts to Hundreds of Children in Parnership with Walmart

On Wednesday, December 9th, hundreds of children and adults descended on Jackie Robinson Park to attend “Toytopia: HCCI’s 5th Annual Toy Giveaway!” and the park’s “23rd Annual Lights of Hope Treelighting Ceremony”. In observance of COVID-19 precautions, the festivities were held outdoors, no one sat on Santa’s knee -- instead, children met a walking waving Santa, quickly selected their toys and left enjoying their new gifts. Once again, community unity made this annual event a huge success!

Harlem Congregations for Community Improvement, Inc. (HCCI) co-presented its Toytopia! with the Jackie Robinson Park Conservancy (JRPC), as part of the 23nd Annual Lights

Photos by Nadezda Tavodova Tezgor

of Hope Tree Lighting Ceremony. Walmart supported HCCI, with a generous donation of more than $3000 in gifts!

“This is an especially difficult year for us all, due to the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Dr. Malcolm A. Punter, President & CEO of HCCI. “So, it was more important than ever, that we take a moment to spread holiday cheer within our community. We are extremely grateful for our continued partnerships with Walmart and the Jackie Robinson Park Conservancy, which HCCI founded more than two decades ago, that made today a possibility.”

“For 23 consecutive years, we have partnered with HCCI to spark lights of hope in Harlem,” said Sonya Simmons, Chairperson of the JRPC. “And in the midst of the pandemic, we were even more committed to continue this tradition. Plus, seeing all of the joyful children was truly wonderful!”

Santa Claus was graciously played by the Simmons’ husband Tobius Simmons. HCCI’s volunteer/Community Liaison Carolyn Paul enlisted neighborhood supporters including: Super Foodtown, Starbucks (145th St.), Duncan Donuts (145th St./ Edgecombe Ave.), Duncan Pharmacy, TJ Abrial Systems/Wholesale Dollar Suppliers and Beauty Merchandise), A & J Grocery Store, Taste of Seafood, Fine Fare (145th St), 99-cent Store, Neighborhood Dollar Store and a group of dedicated volunteers who braved the cold to make Harlem’s children smile.

Celebrating 34 years of service, HCCI is an interfaith consortium of congregations committed to the comprehensive redevelopment of the Harlem community. Since 1986, HCCI has been committed to the holistic revitalization of Harlem by providing economic development opportunities and empowerment of Harlem residents to rebuild their community. To learn more about HCCI programs please visit www.hcci.org.

HOLIDAYS HARLEM COMMUNITY NEWSPAPERS 5 Tips for a Safer Digital Experience This Holiday Shopping Season

(Statepoint)

Online holiday shopping is booming this year, as more consumers avoid brick-andmortar stores in an effort to socially distance.

According to a national consumer survey by Experian, 62 percent of shoppers will buy from the comfort of their computers. But with many worried about being a victim of identity theft and fraud, it may not be such a jolly experience.

In fact, 57 percent of those surveyed feel there’s a greater risk this year of identity theft because of COVID-19, while 18 percent of survey respondents have already been affected by a coronavirus-relat(Statepoint) time and creativity, but a holiday cookie exchange can be held virtually and it’s worth the effort according to experts.

“There’s a famous quote, ‘If you do what you love, you'll never work a day in your life.’ It's so true for me as I find great joy in developing easy, flavorful recipes,” says Cindy Gilbert, McCormick Test Kitchen chef. “My friends have come to me for years requesting tips and tricks, and over 20 years ago, they anointed me the annual holiday cookie exchange leader. This past year has been challenging, but I knew I wanted to keep the tradition alive while following social distancing guidelines.”

Here are Gilbert’s top ed scam. However, even though consumers are concerned about identity theft, only 49 percent of those surveyed shop on protected internet connections and only 47 percent check if the websites are secure.

“With increased online traffic occurring, the holidays are always a ripe period for cybercriminals. However, this year is even more attractive for hackers,” says Michael Bruemmer, Experian vice president of Consumer Protection. “Consumers need to make sure they’re following good security practices to keep their information and financial accounts safe and retailers should be vigilant so that shoppers have a positive customer experience.” seven tips on hosting your own virtual cookie exchange, along with her favorite delicious McCormick cookie picks. 1. Keep the virtual guest list small and local. Your family and friends’ safety is the most important thing, and no one wants to bake a ton of cookies. Aim for five to 10 people.

Gingerbread Men Cookies – No winter holiday is

For a safer digital experience this holiday shopping season, consumers should consider the following tips: 1. Don’t use public WiFi: Public networks make it easier for hackers to intercept data and steal sensitive information. Consumers should only enter credit card information or other sensitive data on their phones or computers from home or on a private network, or use a secure virtual private network (VPN) connection. 2. Consider identity theft monitoring: A product like Experian IdentityWorks helps monitor financial accounts and credit reports to identify possible fraud, such as a credit card account becomplete without gingerbread men. They’re cute and can be decorated with raisins, cinnamon red-hot candies or royal icing. 2. Invite cookie enthusiasts. Invite people who enjoy being in the kitchen and welcome sharing their recipe secrets! Tell them they're going to be sharing the story behind their choice.

Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies – This tasty recipe

PHOTO SOURCE: (c) Melpomenem / iStock via Getty Images Plus

ing opened in one’s name. Offering fraud resolution support and real-time alerts, comprehensive identity theft monitoring can save consumers valuable time when it matters most. 3. Change passwords: With a password manager, consumers can create crinkles from the confectioners' sugar, and the deep chocolate red color and taste add up to a cookie you'll be proud to share. 3. Package cookies in separate portions. Ask participants to package each serving in individual containers or resealable bags of six cookies per serving.

Easy Lemon Cookie Truffles – This is a perfect no-bake option. Lemon extract adds a bright citrus flavor to this easy four-ingredient treat that starts with store-bought sugar cookies. 4. Arrange the exchange. About an hour before the virtual get-together, set up a table outside, in a cul-de-sac or school parking lot. Everyone can take turns grabbing their cookies quickly and safely. Or, arrange no contact porch drop-offs during a set time.

Holiday Meringue strong passwords for online accounts, and change them regularly. 4. Use secure websites: Consumers should only shop on websites they are familiar with and that have a URL that starts with “https” rather than “http.” Https indicates the website has a seCookies – These deliciously airy, light, and low-fat meringue cookies are the perfect confection for any holiday celebration. Add your favorite food coloring for a festive twist. 5. Request the recipes. Ask guests to provide a recipe card in their individual packages, or as the host, you can compile the recipes and share through email.

Double Ginger Gingersnaps – A personal favorite of Gilbert’s, these are a ginger lover's dream! Ground ginger and crystallized ginger make the flavor pop on these cookies, which are crispy on the outside and chewy inside. 6. Share stories via video conference. Many guests like to tell the stories behind their cookies. By scheduling time to connect, you'll likely hear some heartwarming or hilarious anecdotes and maybe cured connection, making it much harder to hack. 5. Don’t use a debit card: Credit cards offer much more protection for online purchases than debit cards. If fraud occurs, the money is not gone from an associated checking account and a claim can be filed with their card issuer.

Additional survey data can be found by visiting experian.com/blogs. For more tips to protect against identity theft, visit the Ask Experian blog at experian. com/education.

While scams abound this time of year and this holiday season is presenting additional security threats, being proactive can help put a stop to cybercriminals and

7 Tips for Hosting a Virtual Holiday Cookie Exchange

It may take a little extra

PHOTO SOURCE: (c) McCormick

hackers. even some helpful tidbits.

Sugar Cookie Thumbprints with Spiced Jam – Inspired by a bakery treat, this holiday twist on a classic uses cinnamon or ginger-spiced jam. 7. Have fun. Take time to ask how everyone has been and give them a chance to share what other traditions they’re planning this year. While the party is about cookies, it's also about connecting, having fun and picking up a few new recipes to try.

Pecan Cookie Balls – These buttery melt-in-yourmouth cookies, also known as Mexican Wedding Cakes, make a great addition to any holiday cookie exchange.

Find these recipes and more by visiting McCormick.com/CookieExchange.

With a little creativity and the perfect cookie recipe, you can reinvent your