‘Christmas in July’ at McDonald House in NHP

Approximately 40 members of the Fraternal Order of Police Lodge 69 and the Retired Sergeants Association Inc. joined staff from Cohen Children’s Hospital and Ronald McDonald House Charities New York Metro CEO Matt Campo to hold a “Christmas in July” celebration to deliver toys to the families of children undergoing cancer treatment and other life-saving procedures here today.

The event was held in the RMHC NYM Parking lot, adjacent to the Northwell Health Cohen Children’s Medical Center Pavilion.

“Our members are just wild about helping these families. They’d do this every week if [RMHC] would let us,” said Michael Kutzma, president of FOP Nassau County.

The collaboration goes back several years, when the daughter of an FOP member was receiving treatment at Cohen Children’s Hospital, and the family stayed at the Ronald McDonald House, where they 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.

“There’s nothing more important than being there for families when they have a sick child in the hospital,” said Campo. “Kids just want their families around them and for them to be happy. We’re glad to see so many happy faces here today and are grateful to the FOP, NYPD and all the law enforcement agencies for making their day a little brighter.”

The New Hyde Park Ronald McDonald House is the only one on Long Island. RMHC is currently planning a second house in Suffolk County to support families there.