Members of the NYPD paid a visit to the kids and families at St. Mary’s Hospital for Children Dec. 15 to spread holiday cheer. The officers were dressed up as and joined by numerous mascots, including superheroes and classic Christmas characters like the Grinch.
The visit featured arts and crafts for the kids, a group of carolers and a special visit from Santa Claus. Additionally, the kids got to meet some of their favorite superheroes and Christmas figures. Also present at the event were New York Islanders mascot Sparky the Dragon, FDNY mascot Hot Dog and EMT mascot EMT Siren.
“We are grateful to the New York City Police Department for their continued partnership in bringing this special holiday event to the children at St. Mary’s each year,” St. Mary’s Healthcare System for Children Communications Director Jennifer Kunz said. “We can’t think of a better way to spread holiday cheer to the St. Mary‘s community.”
St. Mary’s was also initially supposed to hold their holiday lighting that evening. However, that event was postponed due to the weather. Still, the officers had plenty of time that day to entertain the kids.
St. Mary’s has been the primary provider of long-term and rehabilitative care for New York’s most critically ill and injured children since its inception in the 1870s. It is one of only a handful of organizations around the country dedicated to providing intensive rehabilitation, specialized care and education to children with special needs and life-limiting conditions.
