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"Santa's Helpers" Program at Hudson Valley Hospital Assists Families During Holidays
The staff at Hudson Valley Hospital Center is gearing up for another year of giving from the heart. Named "Santa's Helpers," hospital employees, volunteers, physicians and community members shop for presents and wrap them up to be collected by agencies in Westchester. "This is our 11th year, and every year it becomes more rewarding," states John C. Federspiel, HVHC president. "We're helping families who would otherwise not have any presents to open during the holiday season."
Over the years, the program has assisted more than 600 children in approximately 300 families. Over $65,000 has been collected so that each child receives roughly $100 worth of gifts along with a family gift. Every dollar collected goes directly to purchasing gifts. "Our donors are so generous that this year, we expect to exceed the $100-mark for each child," states Sue Lepore, administrative assistant. The "Santa's Helpers" committee
at the Hospital collects funds, and then employees volunteer to shop. Shopping is very specific, with first names and sizes of each child and the child's wish list. Gifts are brought back to the hospital and this year, on Monday, December 18, all the presents will be wrapped in the hospital conference room starting at 4pm, then shipped out the next day to selected charities in Westchester.
Denise Pilla of the Human Resources Department at the hospital elaborates on the extra effort placed on soliciting donations. "We have "denim days" for our employees and they give us $5 to wear jeans to work for a day, and a 50/50 raffle which adds to the proceeds."
Checks are welcome, and may be made payable to HVHC with the words, "Santa's Helpers," in the bottom left. Any questions, please call Sue Lepore at 914-734-3287 or Denise Pilla at 914-734-3783.
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