Over the Years, FDNY Has Raised $15,000 to Support St. Mary’s Programs and Services for Special Needs Children
Firefighters from Engine 320, Ladder 167 and Engine 313, Ladder 164 escorted Santa Claus to St. Mary’s Hospital for Children’s rooftop to deliver toys and holiday cheer to young patients, all of whom are battling complex medical and life-limiting conditions due to serious illness, injury or complications of premature birth.
St. Mary’s Kids gathered around eagerly awaiting Santa’s entrance chanting “Santa!” “Santa!” “Santa!”
Making a special entrance, Santa finally arrived by the fire truck and climbed down from the roof of the hospital before greeting St. Mary’s kids and staff with a hefty laugh and a “Ho Ho Ho” and a Happy Holidays for all.
The firefighters spent the rest of the afternoon handing out gifts and visiting with the children and their families, taking pictures and wish lists.
Each year, for over 10 years the dedicated and compassionate firefighters continue to bring holiday cheer to kids of all ages at St. Mary’s and has raised about $15,000 to support St. Mary’s programs and services.
“We love coming back year after year to St. Mary’s and seeing the smiles on the children’s faces,” said firefighter Keith Palumbo. “There’s no better reward. We hope to keep making this event bigger and better each year and just keep supporting a great cause.”
The annual holiday event at St. Mary’s Bayside Campus is a favorite for St. Mary’s Kids and the bayside firefighters always make sure to put a smile on all the children’s faces.
Lieutenant Mike O’Donnell and the rest of the brave firefighters thank P.C. Richard & Son and Raindew for their support of this annual event.
