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CORTLANDT MANOR, N.Y. Santa will have some extra help making needy childrens holiday wish lists a reality, thanks to some elves at the Hudson Valley Hospital Center. Hospital staff will bake chocolate chip and sugar cookies in the main lobby and sell them with ice cold milk to raise money for the Santas Helpers program.
Helping to provide these children with a little happiness makes us all feel special, said Jennifer Fell, Director of Food and Nutrition. The nutrition department, along with the hospitals auxiliary and marketing department, is helping organize the milk and cookies event.
Santa's Helpers began fundraising mid-summer, on July 29, to meet its goal. A group of volunteer shoppers will then take the money raised by Santa's Helpers and Christmas lists from needy children in the community, and try to fulfill as much as possible.
The organization raised over $15,000 last year to buy gifts for 107 children. A very generous $125 was spent on each child, which surpassed the hospitals goal. The hospital has supported the Santas Helpers program for the last 15 years, but this is the first milk ad cookies fundraiser.
Local social service agencies provide the Hospital with the first name, age, size and wish list of the children. A wrapping party will be held, to wrap the dozens of gifts purchased by volunteer shoppers.
Those wishing to donate can stop by the main lobby from noon to 12:30 p.m. for a holiday sing-along.
If you would like to make a monetary donation to support the program, please send a check payable to Hudson Valley Hospital Center and note in the memo section, Santas Helpers. Hudson Valley Hospital Center is located at 1980 Crompond Road, Cortlandt Manor, N.Y. 10567. Every dollar collected goes directly to purchasing gifts. For more information on how you can help contact, Sue Lepore at (914) 734-3287.
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