Toy Drive in Mamaroneck This Weekend For Hospitalized Children

It was toy night at Molly Spillane’s Pub as families and individuals received reduced-price dinners and entries for raffled gift baskets in exchange for donated toys. Sponsored by the Village of Mamaroneck Fire Department (VOMFD) and organized by VOMFD member Felix Hughes, Jr., the event collected over 100 toys for the Blythedale Children's Hospital, and featured gift basket items from over 35 area businesses.

“The community has been so supportive,” said VOM Second Assistant Fire Chief Craig Casterella. “This will be the first of hopefully many years to come.”

It was a fun, lighthearted atmosphere at the bar/restaurant. Many people knew one another, and were chatting and joking over the raffle prize announcements.

"It gets people together for a great cause,” said Susan Genovese of Mamaroneck, who heard about the event from Hughes.

Firefighter Richard Germani of Harrison knows how difficult it can be for a kid to be in the hospital on what is arguably the biggest holiday of the year.

“They are laying in a hospital bed,” he said. “While their siblings are opening presents at home. I don’t know how bad they are but they may be bedridden. So if a gift can make them happy then why not?”