Yesterday, Assemblyman Ed Ra (R-Franklin Square) delivered enough toys to fill a U-Haul to the pediatric patients at NYU Winthrop hospital in Mineola. The toys were collected by local schools across Ra’s district.

“This is what the holiday season is all about- spreading good cheer and goodwill to the people in our communities who need it the most,” said Ra. “I want to thank each and every individual who donated to our toy drive this year. We’re blessed to have generous neighbors. We look out for each other.”

The following schools participated in the toy drive:

Cherry Lane School
Rushmore Avenue School
Hampton Street School
Mineola Middle School
Meadow Drive School
Garden City Park Elementary School
St. Aidan’s School
Schechter School
New Hyde Park Road School
Manor Oaks
Washington Street School

Hillside Public Library in New Hyde Park also served as a drop-off location.

Ra noted his appreciation for Novus Realty of Floral Park. They generously covered the cost of the U-Haul rental used to transport the donated toys to NYU Winthrop.

Due to the overwhelming success of the drive, child life specialists will be able to distribute toys to hospitalized children throughout the entire year.

“I want to recognize NYU Winthrop for their innovative Child Life Program. Hospitalization can be a really scary process for anyone, but it’s especially traumatic for kids. Their specialists on staff are trained in child development and work tirelessly to meet kids’ emotional needs while they’re getting life-saving treatment. We’re humbled that our toy drive can be even a small part of that throughout the year,” said Ra.