FARMINGDALE, NY — Whiskey Down Diner of Farmingdale is collecting pajamas for childhood cancer patients and helping to advertise a toy drive for a nonprofit organization.
The diner, at 252 Main Street, is hosting its second annual pajama drive. Owners Alyson, John and Kristina Kanaras, who are siblings, are asking for new pajamas, blankets or stuffed animals for children undergoing cancer treatments this winter at Memorial Sloan Kettering. The family plans to bring the toys to the hospital on Dec. 18.
The diner is also asking its customers to buy a toy using an Amazon wishlist for Northport’s The Chloe Belle Foundation’s holiday toy drive. The toy drive is online only; toys can be purchased here.
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All items will go to children and young adults fighting cancer in the pediatric wards of New York-Presbyterian’s Morgan Stanley Children’s Hospital and Phyllis and David Komansky Center for Children’s Health. The deadline to purchase toys is Dec. 13.
The Kanaras family is inspired by Luke Mohan, Kristina’s son. Luke, 6, is more than one year cancer free after he was diagnosed with stage four high-risk neuroblastoma in February 2022.
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“We are very grateful for so much but always for Luke’s health, and during this time of the year it’s important to give back to those in need,” Alyson told Patch. “Children are especially special to us after witnessing so many in the hospital during Luke’s treatment. Just something small can make them smile so big.”
Remi Lindberg, president of The Chloe Belle Foundation, previously told Patch that gifts serve as a reminder that someone is being thought of. Presents make childhood cancer patients — and people in general — feel loved and happy.
“Your donation eases this stress for parents and caretakers who have a sick child in the hospital,” Lindberg said. “Even though they are in the hospital, children still wish and want the magic of the holidays.”
The flyers can be viewed below:
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