Several members of the New York Jets Women's Organization (JWO) rallied together to help Project Sunshine deliver some holiday fun to the children in Winthrop's Pediatrics Center in early December.

Dressed in matching green velvet Jets outfits and Santa hats, the women gave out sacks full of arts and craft supplies-provided by Project Sunshine-for the children in Winthrop's Child Life Activity Room. With the help of the ladies, the children created Styrofoam snowmen and decorated picture frames.

To the delight of the kids and adults, the group also handed out Jets T-shirts, coloring books, stickers, key chains and Santa hats.

"The Jets Women's Organization was honored by the opportunity to come in and interact with the children," said Jesse Linder, manager of Community Relations, New York Jets. "All of the wives and significant others had a great time spreading holiday cheer to the patients."

"Project Sunshine was thrilled with the success of the event," said Amy Saperstein, founder of Project Sunshine. "Having organizations like the JWO come out into the community, and having wonderful facilities like those at Winthrop makes it possible for Project Sunshine to fulfill its mission of helping children and families with medical challenges."

"Special visits really brighten up the day for hospitalized children," said Ann Marie DiFrancesca, MS, director of Winthrop's Child Life Program. "The individualized attention the JWO and Project Sunshine provided each child was truly heartwarming. And their thoughtful gifts and festive decorations kept the kids smiling long after the visitors left. We are very grateful that our Child Life Program was the recipient of the groups' generosity and time."

The program aims to minimize a child's fear and reduce the possibility of developing emotional problems as a result of the hospital experience by addressing the unique emotional and developmental needs of hospitalized children through supervised play, recreation, age-appropriate answers to questions, education and emotional support.

Project Sunshine is a non-denominational, not-for-profit organization, which provides numerous free programs and services to children with cancer, AIDS, and other life-threatening illnesses. The group also has programs that help families cope with the illness of a child.

The JWO is an organization consisting of the wives, fiancées and significant others of Jets players, coaches and select football support staff members. Founded in 2001 by the head coach's wife, Lia Edwards, the mission of the organization is to build goodwill in the tri-state community through active volunteer participation.