Three-Hour Spree Warms the Holidays for Families
We are all feeling warm and fuzzy this December thanks to another generous cash donation for coats and clothing from Rise Light & Power and the clever and resourceful staff at Kohl’s Vestal, New York location. There, Manager Becky Haberkern and Assistant Manager David Barvinchak rounded up their team of Santa’s helpers and helped us maximize our outerwear and cozy winter wear purchases for Candy Cane Lane, happening now in our Community Center, and offering an array of donated clothes, toys, books and gift cards that our patients can select for their family’s holiday gifts.
Vestal is about 20 miles north of Montrose, Pennsylvania, where Floating Hospital President Sean Granahan stays when he’s not in New York City. Granahan knew from prior experience that working directly with a brick-and-mortar store is more collaborative than trying to purchase what was needed online. “I drove up and introduced myself to David, explained who we were, the donation for coat purchases, and how we wanted to maximize it.” He heard back quickly that they were interested in helping us, and did they ever.
Using Black Friday weekend markdowns and every available discount presented to him by the Kohl’s sales staff, Granahan purchased racks of coats in all sizes from newborn to adult, pajamas, loungewear, hats, gloves, scarves and even gift cards. When the $6,725 from Rise Light & Power was exhausted, he called on some friends for more donations, and soon had another $1,400 to spend. The spree began at 8am and by 11, the Floating Hospital team filled the van to the brim, bursting with presents to take back to Long Island City for this week. One final pitstop was Granahan’s car, crammed with over 200 winter jumpers handmade by the “Giving Gals” of Montrose, along with bags of baby quilts.
“It was three hours of fun, for sure,” Granahan said. And thanks to those gifts and the care that made them possible, the holidays of many families living in temporary housing this year just got a little brighter.
Learn more about our Candy Cane Lane by clicking the button below.
