This past holiday season, 15-year-old Farmingdale resident Dylan Cruthers collected hundreds of toys and games for the children who are seen at the Suffolk County Child Advocacy Center. Assisted by his coaches from the New York Apple Core hockey team, Dylan gathered the toys from donations at his church, school, neighbors and his teammates.

The EAC Suffolk County Child Advocacy Center provides a safe, neutral and child-oriented environment for child abuse victims. All necessary examinations and interviews of child victims are done at the Child Advocacy Center where children receive support and guidance throughout the investigation process. In addition, the Center serves as a resource for children and families to connect with community-based services, including therapy, help in meeting medical needs, and assistance with financial problems. EAC has helped over 2,200 children who have been sexually and physically abused since the Center opened in 1997.

In addition to running the CAC, EAC administers 72 other programs that provide educational and vocational services, counseling and mediation, rehabilitation for non-violent offenders and support to children, families and seniors. EAC helps more than 45,000 people each year.

For more information about the EAC Suffolk County Child Advocacy Center at the Pat and Mary Bagnato Place for Kids please call 631-439-0480 or visit www.eacinc.org.