Houlihan/Lawrence holds benefit.

Houlihan/Lawrence's Briarcliff Manor office has recently launched a new program to benefit the Ossining's Children's Center at 90 South Highland Ave. in Ossining, N.Y. Initiated by branch manager Jeanne Lepore, the Briarcliff Manor office is donating $100 to the Center for every Ossining home listed and sold by Houlihan/Lawrence. To date, the realtor has donated $500 to the Children's Center, with more to come.

"Our business in Ossining has increased so much in the last two years that we felt we had to give something back to the community," said Lepore. "Ossining is a great family community, so we chose an organization that is involved with children."

Founded in 1895 as the Christ Child Day Nursery, the Ossining Children's Center today is a non-sectarian organization providing child care for more than 160 children in Ossining and surrounding communities. The infant and toddler program is designed for children up to three years old, while the pre-school program cares for four and five-year olds. The Center also runs after-school programs for elementary students in the Park School and Roosevelt Education Center.

The Ossining Children's Center is open Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. In addition to its educational programs, the center provides breakfasts, hot lunches, and afternoon snacks.

"About 95% of the families we service get some type of tuition assistance," said Howard Milbert, executive director. "We do operate on a tight budget and are so grateful for private donations. We'd particularly like to thank Houlihan/Lawrence for their help."