PAL Jr. Islanders donate coats to children in need at Mercy Hospital
Youth hockey players team up with Mercy Hospital’s Family Care Center to help keep kids warm and healthy this winter.
A Long Island junior hockey team is helping make sure local children stay warm this winter.
The P.A.L. Jr. Islanders donated nearly 100 coats to the Family Care Center at Mercy Hospital in Rockville Centre on Tuesday. The coats will be distributed to children in need, helping families prepare for colder temperatures.
Hospital staff say the donations can have a meaningful impact on children's health.
"By keeping patients warm, we are able to keep them healthy and out of the emergency room," said Jeanine Cappello, clinical operations manager at the Family Care Center at Mercy Hospital.
The donation included coats in a variety of sizes, ranging from newborn to tween, ensuring there is something available for children of all ages.
For the young hockey players, the effort was about helping others in their community.
"I think other people should be warm. We know how that feels because we are at the ice rink every day," said Joey Lamberti of Deer Park.
Teammate Mac Bailey of Manhasset said giving back was rewarding.
"We want to keep little kids warm and comfortable. It feels good to buy stuff for other kids and make them feel better."
Head coach Michael Lang said community service helps teach lessons that extend beyond hockey.
"Them being able to help other families who may not have some of the things they have and for them to see it, especially around the holiday time, just really bring it to light for them," Lang said.
Mercy Hospital officials say children are especially vulnerable to cold-weather illnesses and injuries.
"Children lose heat easier than adults. They are more prone to diseases like frost bite or Hypothermia," Cappello said.
The donation effort brought smiles to families receiving the coats, with one child offering a simple message of gratitude: "Thank you!"
