The first Bronx born baby of 2011 was showered with gifts by a generous children’s store in Melrose.
Sergio Martinez, the first baby born in the Bronx in the new year at St. Barnabas Hospital, and his mother, Kiara Suron, are from the Fordham area.
After the baby was born, Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. contacted Youngland Kiddie Shop on 2922 Third Avenue to notify them of the news. When they contacted Youngland, they were asked to make donations for the tiny celebrity. Youngland specializes and sells goods for babies and young children such as clothes, strollers, cribs, toys and more.
When Youngland’s general manager, Mario DeGiorgio, found out that no other store was doing anything to celebrate Sergio’s timely birth, he immediately wanted to help. He was disheartened to learn that nobody else offered to give presents to the baby in celebration of his birth.
“We found out that this was the first baby born in the Bronx for 2011 and we wanted to do something very special for him,” DeGiorgio said. “We heard nobody was doing anything for the baby and we couldn’t let him go unnoticed. It was our pleasure to help this baby and his mom get on a great start to the new year.”
On Tuesday, January 18, Kiara Suron was invited to come to the Youngland store to pick out items for the baby. Unfortunately, she was not able to bring baby Sergio due to inclement weather. However, store associate Valerie Vincenci was more than happy to bring Suron around the store to choose items for her son.
DeGiorgio came up with a list of items that the baby would need and Suron picked them out on her own. Shechose from a large selection of strollers, cribs, cradles, blankets, toys and numerous clothing items for her son.
After she was finished, Youngland employees helped her place everything into carts and shopping bags.
Suron shopped with a big smile on her face the whole time and could not express how grateful she was for everything Youngland did for her.
“I was not expecting such a large and wonderful donation for my son,” said Suron. “When I found out about a week ago, I couldn’t believe it. I cannot begin to say how very happy I am and grateful for everything Youngland has provided for us.”
