Senator Fuschillo Extends Holidays for Children in Hospital

Just when the children at Winthrop-University Hospital thought the holidays were over, Senator Charles J. Fuschillo Jr. delivered hundreds of toys, boosted spirits and helped make their time away from their homes, family and friends brighter.

Dr. Warren Rosenfeld, chairman, pediatrics; Geri Fessler; Officer Kevin Imm; Paul Gattus, VP, Teamsters - Local 282; Michael Adams, president, Nassau County Sheriff Officers Association; Gary LaBarbera, president, Teamsters; Senator Fuschillo; Daniel P. Walsh, president and CEO, Winthrop-University Hospital; Officer Robert Murray and Patrick Rodgers.

Fuschillo was joined on the morning of Jan. 6 by Michael Adams, president, Nassau County Sheriff Officer's Association and Gary LaBarbera, president, Teamsters - Local 282, whose organizations were instrumental in collecting toys from their memberships in addition to those collected at Fuschillo's office.

"While many children must stay in the hospital over the holidays, others are allowed to go home to be with their family and return this week," Fuschillo said. "It is my hope that these toys will make their time away from home more comfortable. My heart goes out to them and their families. I wish to thank the many Long Island residents who donated toys in addition to the Sheriff Officers Association and the Teamsters - Local 282 for their assistance in making my fifth annual 'Extend the Holidays' Toy Drive a great success."

"Our visit here with Senator Fuschillo to deliver these toys helps lift the spirits for many children and their families who must spend this wonderful time of the year in the hospital," said Adams. "We are pleased to continue our support of this successful 'Extend the Holidays' Toy Drive."

"Just when they think it's all over, this day has lifted the children's spirits and hopefully makes time in the hospital a little easier for them and their families," LaBarbera said. "On behalf of the members of Local 282, I am pleased to have joined efforts with Senator Fuschillo to collect toys and bring joy to these children."

"The holiday season is a very special time of the year, especially for children," Hospital President and CEO Walsh said. "This post holiday visit and toy distribution for the kids in the hospital is a wonderful way to extend the magic of the holiday season. We are grateful to Senator Fuschillo for thinking of our child patients again this year."