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KJoy Radio Station Grants 14-Year-Old Hempstead Boy’s Holiday Wish

KJoy Radio Station Grants 14-Year-Old Hempstead Boy’s Holiday Wish

Jha'Meik S. reached out to the station to see if it would help his family find a home through its Holiday Wish Program.


Jha'Meik S., a 14-year-old from Hempstead, reached out to KJoy 98.3 radio station's Holiday Wish contest this past November to help his family find a home in time for the holidays. Jha'Meik, his mother Sheena, and his two sisters had been living in a family shelter, and Jha'Meik had set aside $200 from his allowance to help in the housing search–but realized the radio station’s help could go farther in the housing market.

"From his submission, we could tell that Jha'Meik was a special young man," said Jon Daniels, the WKJY program director.  "He soon realized that housing on Long Island would cost more than $200, but we were touched by what he was trying to do at such a young ag–and knew that we had to help.  In reading his submission, there was not a dry eye in the room."

WKJY reached out to Jovia Financial Credit Union, which has sponsored the Holiday Wish program in the past, for help in assisting Jha'Meik. Shortly after sending his letter, the county let Jha'Meik and his family know they could move into a nearby apartment–and Jovia presented the family with gift cards to local stores to help them get started, and opened youth accounts for all three kids.



"This young man’s maturity, thoughtfulness and selflessness reveal his tremendous character.  Undoubtedly the most touching story we’ve ever seen,” said Renu Dalessandro, chief marketing officer at Jovia Financial Credit Union.  “This ended up being such a positive story in so many different ways, and we’re just so grateful to be given the opportunity to help brighten this family’s life.”

WKJY’s Holiday Wish Program improves the lives of Long Islanders–who may be in times of need, or who are nominated by other 98.3 listeners–each holiday season by fulfilling wishes. To learn more about the program, visit the WKJY website.

Main Image: Courtesy Kelly Durcan

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Jacqueline Neber

Author: Jacqueline Neber is a social journalism MA candidate at the Craig Newmark Graduate School of Journalism at CUNY. When she’s not reporting, you can find her petting someone else’s dog. See More

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