CHICAGO – Cook County officials are spreading holiday cheer to children undergoing treatment at Stroger Hospital, giving gifts to the hospital’s youngest patients as part of their “Toys for Tots Day” Christmas tradition.
Inside the hospital, the spirit of Christmas is on full display.
“This is, for me, the best time of the year and the best part of my job where we are able to give back to members of our community and do what we’re supposed to do in this season, and that is give,” Cook County Comm’r. Michael Scott said.
“You’re bringing joy to some very deserving children. It’s a nightmare for parents to have a sick child in the hospital and having them sick during the holidays can be especially difficult,” added Dr. Erik Mikaitis, CEO of Cook County Health.
The late Cook County Commissioner Dennis Deer started this effort years ago, partnering with the founder of Flags of the Heart – a nonprofit organization helping the unhoused – and Toys for Tots.
Deer died last summer, prompting others to step in and continue the Christmas tradition.
“I will not let him down. I know he’s smiling down on us right now that we are carrying this on in his name,” Flags on the Heart founder Sharon Preston said.
Toys for Tots brought 200 gifts to Stroger Hospital for sick and injured children. The gifts will be distributed to patients in the emergency room and pediatric ward.
“Donations like this are critical for boosting the morale of our children, which in turn can help their recovery,” said Dr. Mopeola Akintorin, chief of pediatrics at Cook County Health.
