Dozens of members of the Fraternal Order of Police (FOP) Lodge 69 and the Retired Sergeants Association, Inc. held its annual “Christmas in July” celebration to deliver toys to the families of children undergoing cancer treatment and other life-saving procedures at the Ronald McDonald House Charities NY Metro House here today.
Members of the FOP helped children and families pick out toys arranged on tables in the Ronald McDonald House kitchen.
“Days like today are really important for our families,” said Matt Campo, CEO of RMHC NYM. “It allows them to step outside the hospital and get a sense of normalcy. It’s just so important to help them step away from all of the stress of caring for a sick child.”
“It’s amazing to see this generosity - and she loves toys,” said Katrina Dryer, mother of Scarlett Morrison, 7, who was paralyzed from the waist down in a car accident. They are staying at the Ronald McDonald House while Scarlett receives physical therapy. “Anything to make her smile.”
The Christmas in July event began when the daughter of an FOP member was receiving treatment at Cohen’s Children Hospital, and the family stayed at the Ronald McDonald House, where their received the care and attention of staff that made their medical journey easier. Since then, the FOP has worked to support RMHC with needed supplies and donations, including bedding, TVs and anything that makes a family’s stay easier.
“The room here is filled and we still have more,” said Norm Horowitz, who created the idea in honor of his daughter who stayed at the Ronald McDonald House when his granddaughter was receiving hospital care. “And now the kids are coming in and you look at their faces. That’s what it’s all about.”
Ronald McDonald House Charities (RMHC) New York Metro keeps families seeking medical treatment for their sick children near the care they need and the families they love.
Photo attached, credit RMHC NYM: Scarlett Morrison (in wheelchair), of Seymour, TX, and her mom, Katrina Dreyer (kneeling), with members of the Fraternal Order of Police (FOP) Lodge 69 and the Retired Sergeants Association at the event. Scarlett was paralyzed from the neck down in a car accident and is staying at the Ronald McDonald House while she receives physical therapy treatment.