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St. John’s ICARE Foundation Spreads Joy With Community Toy Giveaway

Far Rockaway, New York, December 31, 2024 — 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 Dec. 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.

The St. John’s ICARE Foundation transformed the Bayswater Jewish Community Center into a winter wonderland for its annual Community Toy Giveaway.
V olunteers at the St. John’s ICARE Foundation’s annual Community Toy Giveaway were filled with joy as they prepared to distribute toys.

“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 Chief Executive Officer Donald T. Morrish, MD, MMM (center), Chief Financial Officer Steve Guido (second, right), and Renee Hastick-Motes (fourth, left) President of St. John’s ICARE President and EHS Senior Vice President, Chief External Affairs Officer, are pictured Kiwanis of the Rockaways members. Pictured
from left are: Felicia Johnson, Kathy Giuseppone, Treasurer MaryAnn Nellen, Helen Montero-Hernandez, Vice President Jeanette Garramone, President Scott V alentine, Grace Miller and Ozzie Edwards.

Episcopal Health Services’ (EHS) Population Health team provided blood pressure screenings and vaccinations during the event, while Heathfirst 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.

Children were all smiles after receiving their toys and treats at the St. John’s ICARE Foundation’s annual Community Toy Giveaway.

About St. John’s ICARE Foundation

The St. John’s ICARE Foundation, created in 2021, fosters a culture of philanthropy to secure, manage and distribute gifts in support of the mission and vision of Episcopal Health Services and St. John’s Episcopal Hospital. The ICARE Foundation, which stands for Innovation, Compassion, Respect and Empathy, raises awareness and funds in support of equipment, capital projects, special programs and community initiatives. To make a donation, visit sjicarefoundation.org or call (718)-869-8062 for more information.