Senator Fuschillo Helps “Extend the Holidays” for Children in Winthrop University Hospital

     New York State Senator Charles J. Fuschillo, Jr. (R-Merrick) today helped put smiles on the faces of Winthrop University Hospital’s child patients by delivering over 2,000 toys collected through his annual “Extend the Holidays” toy drive. Representatives from the Nassau County Sheriff Correction Officer’s Benevolent Association, Laborers Local 66, and Local 1298, along with members of Calhoun High School’s Student Council, all of whom participated in the program, joined Senator Fuschillo in delivering the toys to the hospital. 

     “Extend the Holidays” is an annual toy drive Senator Fuschillo organizes for the benefit of children in Winthrop’s Hagedorn Pediatric Inpatient Center. The toys collected through the program are delivered after the holiday season so that children can experience the joys of receiving a holiday gift throughout the year. 

     “Each year, with the tremendous generosity of schools, labor unions, and local residents, we are able to brighten the spirits of children in Winthrop University Hospital through ‘Extend the Holidays.’ This year was our most successful toy drive since we began this program in 1998, and the over 2,000 toys collected through the program will help put smiles on the faces of Winthrop’s child patients throughout the new year. Thanks to everyone who participated in this program for making it such a success once again,” said Senator Fuschillo.

     The following schools and labor unions helped Senator Fuschillo collect toys for the “Extend the Holidays” toy drive:

     · Albany Avenue Elementary School (Lindenhurst School District)

     · Baldwin High School (Baldwin School District)

     · Berner Middle School (Massapequa School District)

     · Birch Elementary School (Merrick School District)

     · Calhoun High School (Bellmore-Merrick Central High School District)

     · Chatterton Elementary School (Merrick School District)

     · East Lake Elementary School (Massapequa School District)

     · Fairfield Elementary School (Massapequa School District)

     · Fayette Elementary School (North Merrick School District)

     · Forest Lake Elementary School (Wantagh School District)

     · Laborers Local 66

     · Laborers Local 1298

     · Levy-Lakeside Elementary School (Merrick School District)

     · Massapequa High School (Massapequa School District)

     · Mepham High School (Bellmore-Merrick Central High School District)

     · Merrick Avenue Middle School (Bellmore-Merrick Central High School District)

     · Nassau County Sheriff Correction Officer’s Benevolent Association

     · Old Mill Road Elementary School (North Merrick School District)

     "Each year we are amazed at the incredible generosity of the groups that Senator Fuschillo organizes to collect toys for the children at our hospital," said John Collins, President and CEO of Winthrop University Hospital. “This wonderful outpouring of kindness helps brighten the lives of our young patients throughout the year, and we thank him for being so instrumental in making this happen."

     Senator Fuschillo (left center) is joined by Assemblyman Dave McDonough (6th left), Winthrop Hospital staff, and students from Calhoun High School as he delivers the over 2,000 toys collected through his annual "extend the Holidays" toy drive to children in Winthrop Hospital.