Ambulance Corps Gears Up for EMS Celebration Day

The is aiming to promote safety and raise funds for its operations during the third annual on May 20.

The event, which will be held from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., includes demonstrations, free food, educational programs for children, a raffle and tours of the ambulance corps’ headquarters, located at 42-18 Marathon Parkway in Little Neck.

Louis Calderon, president of the corps, said he expects as many as 200 people to attend the celebration.

“It’s a great way for the community to come together,” he said. “It has a small-town community feel to it.”

The event also acts as a fundraiser during which the corps will sell t-shirts, raffle tickets at $2 apiece or $3 for five and donations.

Raffle prizes include tickets to Disney World and Chelsea Piers as well as autographed jerseys from Giants and Jets players, such as Eli Manning.

Attendees will get free hot dogs and drinks.

The corps will demonstrate how to use its new equipment, including reverse cameras in its vehicles and navigation systems.

“They will help us get to people’s houses quicker,” Calderon said of the navigation systems. “There are lots of streets in Douglas Manor that emergency responders can’t find.”

The event will also include blood pressure checks, safety and health education programs for children and a coloring book station with a safety theme.

The city Police Department’s Community Affairs Bureau will provide soccer nets, basketball hoops and other activities for local youngsters.

State Sen. Tony Avella, D-Bayside, and Councilman Mark Weprin, D-Oakland Gardens, will be among the guests attending the event.

Last year, the corps raised $1,000 during EMS Celebration Day, but Calderon said this year’s goal is $2,500.

For more information, call the ambulance corps at 718-229-0400 or visit the group’s website.