Deer Park Students Collect 100+ Toys For Hospitalized Kids

DEER PARK, NY — Students at John F. Kennedy Intermediate School in Deer Park once again turned compassion into action through their annual Candy Cane for a Cause fundraiser, this year partnering with the Warrior Joseph Toy Drive to support children at Cohen Children’s Medical Center in New Hyde Park.

Led by the school’s student government, the initiative raised more than 100 toys, all of which were donated to young patients receiving medical care during the holiday season.

The Warrior Joseph Toy Drive was founded by the family of Joseph Baggio, who spent eight months as a third grader receiving treatment at Cohen Children’s Medical Center. After experiencing firsthand the comfort a simple toy can bring during a hospital stay, Joseph chose to collect toys for other hospitalized children instead of receiving Christmas gifts of his own. With the support of his family, the Warrior Joseph Toy Drive was born to bring joy and encouragement to children facing serious medical challenges.

“Not only is Joseph a warrior for what he overcame, but he is also a warrior for others,” said JFK teacher Darlene Matulich. “He helps bring joy to those who are fighting their fight, letting each child know they are not alone.”