Dozens of young cancer patients from Schneider Children's Hospital and their families will be treated to a North Pole fantasy party from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Dec. 8. More than 150 children and family members are expected.

Patients from the hospital's Pediatric Hematology/Oncology Unit and their families will enjoy a three hour extravaganza, during which Santa and his helpers will be on hand to supply a huge array of toys and a sumptuous banquet of goodies for a spectacular party. The party and holiday gifts take on special meaning for children from needy families. Providing the music for the festivities, as they do every year, will be members of the Long Island Banjo Society.

For the past several years, this party has taken place at LaGuardia Airport as the "Fantasy Flight to the North Pole." Children and their families would board a shuttle flight and will taxi down the runway during a 15-minute fantasy flight. Upon arrival, Santa and his helpers treat their guests to an unforgettable party. However, this year, due to recent tragic events, the hospital's staff and the Silver Liners decided to keep Santa and crew landlocked in the LIJ Teaching Center.

The holiday trip has been arranged through the generosity of the Silver Liners, former Eastern Airlines flight attendants.

Join Santa and the children in the LIJ Teaching Center Building, 2nd Floor, Rooms 201 A, B, and C. Enter through the LIJ Teaching Center and walk up to the second floor. LIJ is located at 270-05 76th Avenue, New Hyde Park, NY.