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Santa's Helpers at Hudson Valley Hospital Center  | | John C. Federspiel, Hospital President and Edward G.
Hess as Santa joined hospital employees in wrapping 600 gifts for
area children |
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Santa had plenty of help this year, thanks to hundreds of employees at Hudson Valley Hospital Center in Cortlandt Manor. The hospital staff raised more than $12,000 to buy 600 presents for 100 children who would have not received any gifts at all. The annual Santa's Helper program culminated in a giant and joyous gift-wrapping party Monday (Dec. 17) at the hospital.
"With nearly 1,000 employees, we are the largest employer in the community. Twelve years ago, instead of having a "Secret Santa" gift exchange among ourselves, we decided to give presents to children who really need them," explained John Federspiel, President of Hudson Valley Hospital Center. "Santa's Helpers" time is eagerly anticipated by the staff. "People begin to ask about Santa's Helpers in the summer," Mr. Federspiel noted. "We never have to ask for contributions twice."
What distinguishes this program from other charitable giving is that hospital employees actually shop for needy children, whose Christmas wishlists are submitted by the De- partment of Social Services in Peekskill, the Interfaith Council for Action in Ossining, and Hayden House Emergency Residence and School in Ossining. Maureen DiMaggio of Mahopac, Director of Patient Accounts and Admitting, shopped for 12 children. "Christmas to me is about giving. My kids are grown, and I enjoy buying gifts for little ones. I had a year-and-a-half old girl to shop for, and I had a blast, buying clothes and toys for her."
Members of the community also joined in. Man-ching
Lorber of Mohegan Lake participated with her son Louis Lorber and his friend
Austin Wallerstein, who became Santa's Helpers as part of their community
service for bar mitzvah ceremonies next year at the Reform Temple of Putnam
Valley. Community members who would like to join the fun next year are invited
to call Sue Lepore at 914-734- 3200.Edward G. Hess Jr., a Putnam Valley
resident, lent a helping hand as Santa Claus and visited patients throughout the
Hospital.
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