Hospital Workers Collect, Wrap Gifts for Needy Families

Editor's Note: The following release was submitted by Hudson Valley Hospital Center. If you would like to post your news to Patch, click here.

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Cortlandt Manor, NY— Santa’s Helpers at the Hudson Valley Hospital Center spent the afternoon Wednesday wrapping mountains of presents to make wishes come true for local children and their families.

Pajamas and books, dolls, trucks, boots, socks and tons of toys were packaged by staff and members of the community in a few short hours and delivered to social services agencies who distributed the presents to needy families. In all, the Hospital spent $125 each on 95 children this year.

“With Hurricane Sandy, this year has been a very difficult one for many people, making fundraising a bit more of a challenge,’’ said John Federspiel, President of Hudson Valley Hospital Center, who started the tradition 17 years ago. “Luckily, we have so many generous people at the Hospital and in the community who have given even larger amounts to help make up the difference.”

Hospital employees received some help from people in the community including a group of local Girl Scouts. Troop 2248, a Brownie Troop from Oakside Elementary School in Peekskill assisted in the wrapping and Santa stopped by to supervise the Hospital elves.

To raise money, the Hospital staff sold raffles and employees paid $10 each for the privilege of wearing jeans to work on two Fridays. Employees this year also sold “The Giving Keys” necklaces to raise funds.

Sue Lepore, facilitator of the program in the administration office at HVHC, said although it was a bit more of a challenge to raise funds this year, she was pleased with the results and commended all the Hospital staff who donated, helped shop for presents and wrap.

“These children ask for so little,’’ she said. “We try to make this a great holiday by giving them more than they request.’’

Hudson Valley Hospital Center is at 1980 Crompond Rd. (Route 202) Cortlandt Manor, NY.