For his eighth birthday, Garden City resident Robert Hyer made a very special wish for young patients at Winthrop-University Hospital's Hagedorn Pediatric Inpatient Center. In preparation for his June 6 party, he asked his 18 guests to bring wrapped toys instead of presents. Robbie later donated the gifts to Winthrop's Child Life Program, which provides services and support, including therapeutic play and recreational activities, to help patients allay uncertainties that often accompany a stressful hospitalization.

"Since joining Twigs in 2003, Robbie has seen my involvement in helping bring entertainment to the Center's patients," explained his mother, Pamela Hyer, corresponding secretary for Twigs, a branch of Winthrop volunteer auxiliary. "He asked what could he do and soon realized there was a way he could also contribute."

A Boy Scout and outgoing second-grader at Stewart School, Robbie did not think twice about dedicating his special day to help bring smiles to others. And, he wouldn't mind doing it again.

"If I was in the hospital, I would like a lot of toys to play with," he explained. "Bringing the donation to the hospital made me understand more what they are doing for the patients. I hope that they like the toys."

"The Child Life Program relies on generous donors to help brighten the lives of hospitalized children," explained AnnMarie DiFrancesca, director, Child Life Program. "Robbie's generosity has and will continue to make a positive impact for children hospitalized here at Winthrop."

"I appreciated how AnnMarie and her staff welcomed Robbie with the opportunity to bring the presents to the hospital, so he could see the room where the children come to play and relax," added Mrs. Hyer. "He really enjoyed making the donation, and it was wonderful to see how he benefited from the visit."

For more about the Child Life Program, call Ms. DiFrancesca at 663-2761. Those interested in volunteer opportunities with Twigs, contact Twigs President Jennifer Miller at 747-5546.