Briarcliff Manor PBA Brings Holiday Joy to Children's Hospital

For the third consecutive year, the Benevolent Association (PBA) organized a toy drive to benefit children hospitalized at Maria Fareri Children's Hospital at Westchester Medical Center.

"It's a way for us to help out the kids for the holidays," said Police Officer Jason Wollman, who spearheads the effort.

Wollman—along with Police Officers William Bassett and John Wynne—delivered more than 100 toys to the hospital on Wednesday afternoon, thanks to donations from village residents and PBA members.

"Every child in the hospital and their siblings get something for the holidays," said Barbara Mautner, a volunteer.

Each year, Child Life Specialist Jeannie Sweeney and Music Therapist Laurie Park gather and wrap the toy donations that come from around the nearby communities, keeping in mind each child's specific interests and likes.

The gifts for patients and their siblings are left by the doors on Christmas eve for a holiday surprise.

"Parents can't get out to get presents," explained Sweeney. "They are so grateful."

Andrew LaGuardia, the hospital's director of communications, said the annual effort "adds some normalcy" to the lives of the more than 100 families who have children residing at the premise.

"And it's all made possible by people like yourself," Mautner told the officers.

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