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Community Corner

Senator 'Extends the Holidays' for Child Patients

Sen. John Fuschillo and local schools bring gifts to children at Winthrop.

In the mind of state Sen. John Fuschillo, the holiday season is far from over.

For children, especially for the ones battling serious illnesses in ’s Hagedorn Pediatric Inpatient Center, few things bring as much joy as receiving a toy.

With this knowledge in mind, Fuschillo and his camp enlisted the help of nearly 20 schools and organizations around Long Island to help make the “’Extend the Holidays’ Toy Drive” come to life.

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“The many toys that were donated by schools, unions, and local residents will help put smiles on the faces of many children,” he said. “I thank everyone who participated in this program for once again making it a great success.” 

Seeking to extend the feeling of excitement the holiday season brings, the Merrick Republican put together the annual drive to help the children feel the joy of gift receiving year round. Thus, the drive always takes place after the holiday season and works, in particular with Winthrop’s pediatric patients.

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According to Winthrop Vice President of External Affairs and Development John Broder, the drive “was a great success. Each year, this tradition brings great joy to the children [and their families] at the hospital.”

Happy to continue to this tradition, the Senator and Winthrop seek to, not only continue the program but to increase the amount of gifts received, so the “Extend the Holidays” tradition will be more far reaching, perhaps including more schools, charities and local fraternal orders.

When asked about his sentiments on the toy drive, Fuschillo markedly commented that “one of the best parts of the holiday season for children is the thrill and anticipation of receiving the gift of a new toy. We want to make sure that children in the hospital, who are going through tough times, can experience those same feelings throughout the year.”

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