'Charity Boss Long Island' helps struggling Long Island families get back on their feet

MASTIC BEACH, Long Island (WABC) -- This Christmas will be one to remember for a Long Island family who got the surprise of their lives thanks to a group of local businesses.

The Latkowski family of Mastic Beach recently fell on hard times.

Dean had to leave his job because of a heart condition.

Denise was diagnosed with MS.

As the bills began to pile up their son Dominick put aside his plans for college.

"I always rely to the man upstairs. He always comes through in his time," Denise said.

He came through Anthony Parenti, a local business owner.

Parenti had an idea to bring together fellow business owners around Long Island to help families in need.

"It kind of happened through prayer, it was something that was kind of on my heart," said Parenti, of Charity Boss Long Island.

He created Charity Boss Long Island.

People nominate struggling families through the group's website.

The bosses, nine of them, select a family and help them get back on their feet.

"Charity Boss isn't about helping a family to get through a hard time, as it is to give a family the ability to sustain themselves," Parenti said.

For the Latkowski's that means free assistance from a CPA, an interview for a full-time job for Denise at a periodontist office, and that's not all.

"You also don't have to worry about how you're going to buy oil this winter," Parenti said.

The bosses have also arranged for a local auto repair shop to fix up Dominick's car. He's going to need it because the bosses got him a part-time job working at a grocery store which begins next week. They're also giving him money to go to college.

"I think it's great. Great things people have done for us," Dominick said.

"I thank everyone for doing what they're doing," Dean said.

The goal, Parenti says, is to help three families a year.

"Really looking for larger corporations to get behind this and come alongside our charter bosses so that we can really make some life changing impact on families and more families," Parenti said.

If you would like to know more about Charity Boss Long Island visit www.charitybossli.com.