Community Corner

Firefighters, Santa Pay Visit to St. Mary's Kids

For more than 25 years, members of Engine 320, Ladder 167 has been dropping by for a Christmas party with St. Mary's patients.

Firefighters from Bayside's Engine 320, Ladder 167 brought holiday cheer to the young patients at St. Mary's Healthcare System for Children on Dec. 13.

Members of the firehouse joined Santa Claus and his elves at the hospital, located at 29-01 216th St. in Bayside, to pay a visit to more than 50 St. Mary's children, many of whom are battling complex medical and life-limiting conditions due to serious illness, injury or complications of premature birth. 

During his visit, Santa dropped off gifts and listened to their Christmas wish lists.


The engine and ladder company has brought Santa to St. Mary's for more than 25 years.

“Seeing the joy and smiles on the faces of the children as they spend time with Santa is a big part of why we come back year after year to St. Mary’s,” said firefighter Joe Barongi. “St. Mary’s is an amazing place and this annual visit is a deep-rooted tradition at our fire station. We hope to make this event bigger and better each year.”

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Photos courtesy of St. Mary's.


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