Newsroom

Santa’s Helpers at NewYork-Presbyterian/Hudson Valley Hospital wrapped mountains of presents today to make wishes come true for local children and their families.

In an annual tradition that has been going on for 19 years, staff wrapped more than 800 gifts. The presents will be donated to local social services agencies and delivered to families in need in time for the holidays. Pajamas and books, dolls, trucks, musical instruments and art supplies, boots, socks and tons of toys, clothing and other gifts were packaged from 1 to 3 p.m. on Thursday in the hospital’s lobby. Santa stopped by to supervise the Hospital elves at work.

"We wrapped about 800 gifts today and they will all be distributed to families in our community," said Hudson Valley Hospital President John Federspiel. "This is a very exciting event for us. I thank everyone in our Hospital family who worked so hard this year to raise the funds, shop for the gifts and wrap the presents to make a lot of children happy this holiday season."

This year – the 19th year of Santa’s Helpers - the Hospital spent $125 per child on 107 children. The Santa’s Helpers project is also delivering gifts to 57 families and 1 group home.

Sue Lepore, facilitator of the program in the administration office at HVHC, said she is always amazed at the outpouring from the community and the hospital staff each year.

For the second year, the Paramount Theater in Peekskill has pledged to donate a percentage of ticket sales from its production of the Nutrcracker. This year, "A Colonial Nutcracker" will be held on Dec. 20 at 3 p.m. at the theater on 1008 Brown Street. The proceeds will go towards next year’s Santa’s Helpers program. Last year, the Paramount donated $600 from ticket sales. To order tickets, visit www. paramounthudsonvalley.com

In addition to contributions from employees, physicians and the community, hospital employees held several fundraisers, including three days when employees paid $10 each to wear denim to work and a number of 50/50 raffles.