UNIONDALE, NY (November 30, 2011) — The New York Islanders traded in their hockey sticks for shopping carts as players and family members visited Toys"R"Us, purchasing hundreds of toys for pediatric patients at hospitals throughout Long Island. For the fifth consecutive year, players spent time shopping to brighten the day of the many children who are in the hospital around the holidays. The shopping spree was sponsored by EmblemHealth.
"Picking out toys and then being able to deliver them to kids in need is a great thing," Streit said. "So many kids are going through tough times during the holidays and need our help, so it's very special that we can make them a little happier. I feel very fortunate to be a part of this."
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| The hardest working team in NY: After beating Buffalo, arriving home at 3 a.m. and getting to Toys"R"Us at 7 a.m., Matt Martin (left) and Michael Grabner examine Legos during the New York Islanders Holiday Shopping Spree sponsored by EmblemHealth. | Left to right: Matt Moulson, team captain Mark Streit and Nino Niederreiter converge in the Barbie aisle to discuss the merits of Ballerina Barbie versus Cowboy Ken. Next week the entire team will distribute toys and cheer to children at area hospitals on Long Island and in Queens. |
"Having the Islanders deliver the toys they personally chose brings incredible joy to children who are facing medical challenges at this time of year," says EmblemHealth President and COO Frank Branchini, who adds that the shopping spree is part of the company's ongoing effort to give back to the communities it serves. "We're delighted to partner with the New York Islanders in this wonderful event."
Next week, the players will personally deliver the gifts to pediatric patients at: Stephen and Alexandra Cohen Children's Medical Center in New Hyde Park; Nassau University Medical Center in East Meadow; Winthrop University Hospital in Mineola; Stony Brook University Hospital in Stony Brook; Good Samaritan Hospital Medical Center in West Islip; St. Mary's Hospital for Children in Bayside; North Shore University Hospital in Manhasset; and the Henry Viscardi School, serving children with severe physical and medical disabilities, in Albertson.
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| New York Islanders, friends and family members filled shopping carts with toys at a holiday shopping spree sponsored by EmblemHealth. From left to right: Matt Martin; Michael Grabner; Marty Reasoner with his wife and daughter; Mark Eaton and his wife Dorrie; Mark Streit; Nino Niederreiter; Mike Mottau and his wife; John Tavares; Rick DiPietro and his wife Cassie; Alicia and Matt Moulson; Kyle Okposo and his fiancée Danielle; and Josh Bailey and his girlfriend. |
About the New York Islanders
Founded in 1972, and this season celebrating their 40-year anniversary, the New York Islanders Hockey Club stands proudly as Long Island's sole major league professional sports franchise. Keep up with breaking Islanders news on Facebook at www.facebook.com/NEWYORKISLANDERS and on Twitter @NYIslanders. For further information on any individual/group ticket options or sponsorship opportunities, contact the team's office at (516) 501-6700 or e-mail customerservice@newyorkislanders.com. For more team information, log on to newyorkislanders.com.
About EmblemHealth
EmblemHealth, Inc. provides quality health care coverage and administrative services to approximately 2.9 million people. Groups and individuals can choose from a variety of PPO, EPO and HMO plans, as well as coverage for prescription drugs and dental and vision care. We offer a choice of networks, including quality doctors and other health care professionals throughout the region, leading acute care hospitals across the tristate area, and physicians and hospitals across all 50 states.