Santa’s helper at Saint Mary’s

It was former British Prime Minister Harold Macmillan who said, “No man succeeds without a good woman behind him.” As far as the kids at Saint Mary’s Hospital for Children are concerned, the woman behind Santa Claus is Lillian Bossio.
Bossio, a principal of the New Hyde Park-based insurance agency Bossio, Ross and Associates, is a long-time volunteer and supporter of the rehabilitation and specialized care facility in Bayside.
For the fifth year, Bossio made Saint Mary’s kids her guests of honor at her company’s annual holiday party to benefit the hospital, on Monday, December 9, at catering palace Leonard’s of Great Neck.
“Lillian has always been such a giving and dedicated individual who stops at nothing to make the kids of Saint Mary’s happy,” said Dr. Burton Grebin, CEO of the hospital. Bossio often visits the hospital and of her many charitable attributions, those at Saint Mary’s are impressed with her love and compassion above all.
“By giving them the opportunity to enjoy the holidays, Lillian is giving these children the world. For many of the kids, this holiday party is their Christmas,” Grebin said.
Though the party started at 6 p.m., the children eagerly started getting ready for the big night hours earlier, according to staffers.
Many of the girls were beaming in their fanciest outfits, stylish hairdos and makeup escorted by the boys, some who wore their best suits, while others sported collared shirts and pants.
The highlight of the party was when Santa made a surprise entrance, escorted by his elves, and they all did a special dance number dedicated to Saint Mary’s kids.
Then, all became quiet as Santa pulled out his storybook and the kids gathered around to hear the poem that has captivated much of the world since it was published in the New York Sentinel in 1823, “Twas the Night Before Christmas.”
Then, instead of going up the chimney, Santa made his way around to talk to each child individually.
“Many of these kids cannot walk or talk, but I look into their eyes and they speak to me with a million words,” Bossio remarked, living proof of another saying - that actions speak louder than words.