St. John’s ICARE Foundation Spreads Holiday Joy
The holiday season was a little brighter for hundreds of families on the Rockaway peninsula, thanks to The St. John’s ICARE Foundation’s annual Community Toy Giveaway.
Held on Friday, December 20 at the Bayswater Jewish Community Center, the event transformed the venue into a magical winter wonderland. Attendees enjoyed the festive scene while receiving age-appropriate bags of toys. Families also delighted in freshly popped popcorn and delicious chocolate treats distributed by volunteers from the Kiwanis of the Rockaways. They took photos with Santa Claus, danced to music by DJ Peter Vibe, and had the chance to enter a raffle to win an oversized teddy bear donated by Lowe’s Companies.
“We’re truly grateful for all the community partners, donors and volunteers who made our annual community toy giveaway a reality,” said Nancy Leghart, Executive Director of the St. John’s ICARE Foundation. “There’s truly nothing better than being able to spread joy to the families in our community and ensure no child was without a gift this holiday season.”
Episcopal Health Services’ (EHS) Population Health team provided blood pressure screenings and vaccinations during the event, while Healthfirst and the Beacon Rehab & Nursing Center shared valuable health-related information with attendees.
Special thanks to all who donated toys and to the event sponsors: Bayswater Jewish Community Center, Spin Master, Lowe’s Companies, Healthfirst, Kiwanis of the Rockaways, National Grid, CINQCARE, and the Beacon Rehab & Nursing Center.
