Senator Charles J. Fuschillo, Jr. recently visited Winthrop-University Hospital in Mineola to spread some additional cheer to the children who are spending part of their holidays in the hospital. By continuing a tradition he began in his first year in office, Fuschillo hopes that the sixth annual "Extend the Holidays" toy drive is able to stretch the good wishes these children receive to after the holidays.

"Spending the holidays in the hospital can be tough but, hopefully, the donations that have been made by many organizations and individuals in the area will remind these kids of the good wishes the community has for them," Fuschillo stated. "Many of the children are able to go home for a short time at the holidays but have to return soon after. By extending the holidays, we are able to give them a distraction from their stay in the hospital."

Fuschillo was joined by Assemblyman Dave McDonough and members of the Nassau County Sheriff Officer's Association, the Teamsters Local 282 and the Laborers Local 66 in handing out the gifts at the hospital. All three organizations were instrumental in collecting the toys from their memberships in addition to those collected at the senator's office.

Mike Adams, president of the Sheriff Officer's Association, was happy to be a part of the day and happy that the overflow of toys would be saved for children who stay at the hospital at any time in the coming year. "We are very happy to have been asked by Senator Fuschillo to join him in extending the holidays. It is great to give children gifts all year round."

John Ippolito, vice president of the Laborers Local 66, stated, "It is nice knowing that we can help in some way at a time when these children are the most vulnerable - the holidays. It feels good to be able to help them through this sometimes sad holiday season."

"All of us at Local 282 are pleased that we can bring some smiles to these sick children and happy to let them know that there are people who care about them," said Gary LaBarbera, president of the Teamsters Local 282. "We wish these kids and their families all the best."

Dr. Warren Feldman, chief of the Pediatric Ward at Winthrop-University Hospital, received the gifts on behalf of his patients. "It really is great for the kids and it puts a smile on their faces. Every year, Senator Fuschillo and these groups come through for the kids and it is extremely generous of them."

Fuschillo was thrilled to see the amount of gifts that the children would be receiving. "The generosity exhibited by everyone involved in this toy drive should hopefully show these children that not only are they remembered this holiday season but they are cared about all year long," Fuschillo concluded.