Ducks brighten day for children in Long Island hospitals

(Central Islip, N.Y., Dec. 19, 2014) – On Thursday, December 18, the Long Island Ducks took part in their annual holiday tradition of visiting local hospitals to drop off donated toys for children. The visits capped off the team’s annual toy drive, and hundreds of gifts were given out at Good Samaritan Hospital Medical Center, North Shore LIJ/Southside Hospital and Stony Brook University Medical Center.

VIDEO: Happy Holiday wishes to all Ducks fans

PHOTOS: Check out a photo album from the visits on Facebook

Among those visiting the hospitals were Long Island’s favorite mascot, QuackerJack, co-owner/coach Bud Harrelson, manager Kevin Baez, shortstop Dan Lyons, B-103’s “The Wiseman” and the Ducks Street Team. The visits brought smiles to the faces of children and their parents at each location, with many posing for pictures, getting autographs and enjoying the festivities. The Ducks also visited the maternity ward at North Shore LIJ/Southside Hospital to welcome some of the newest Ducks fans to the world.

Each December, the Ducks host a toy drive at the Waddle In Shop during the holiday season. Fans from across Long Island came out to drop off new, unwrapped toys while also doing some holiday shopping. This year’s drive once again saw hundreds of gifts donated, so much so that the team will be giving toys left over from the visits to Christmas Magic, a not-for-profit organization which provides holiday generosity and spirit to those less fortunate. The Ducks would like to thank all of those who donated this year and wish everyone a Happy Holiday season and a Happy New Year!

The Long Island Ducks are members of the Atlantic League of Professional Baseball and play their home games at Bethpage Ballpark. For further information, call (631) 940-DUCK or visit www.liducks.com.

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