Senator thanks students for toy drives

Students in the Merrick School district recently teamed up with State Sen. Charles Fuschillo Jr. to help children at Winthrop-University Hospital in Mineola by taking part in his annual “Extend the Holidays” toy drive.

The student councils at Birch and Chatterton elementary schools spearheaded the collection efforts at their respective schools. Fuschillo, a Republican from Merrick, recently visited the schools to thank the students for participating in the program.

“Extend the Holidays” is an annual toy drive Fuschillo organizes for the benefit of children in Winthrop Hospital’s Pediatric Ward. The toys collected by the Merrick students will be delivered to the hospital after the holiday season, so that children can experience the joys of receiving holiday gifts throughout the year.

“Through their hard work and generosity, these students will help bring smiles to the faces of children and their families who are going through tough times. Both Chatterton and Birch students should be very proud of the job they did, and I thank them for their assistance,” said Fuschillo.