Assemblyman Mike Norris (R,C,I,Ref-Lockport) was joined by a special guest – Santa Claus -- to hand out the donated toys from his “Christmas in July” Toy Drive today at the John R. Oishei Children’s Hospital in Buffalo. Hundreds of toys were donated from throughout Western New York to help brighten the in-patient hospital experience for sick or injured children.

“As always our community has shown its generosity and I would like to thank everyone who participated in this drive as well as my partners at the Lockport and Clarence public libraries,” said Norris. “The Oishei Children’s Hospital has helped so many families in Western New York and it has been my honor to do this small act to thank them for the very large contribution they have made to the lives of these children and their loved ones.”

“Toys are the simplest way to give a child a sense of home during their hospital stay. Because of Assemblyman Mike Norris’ Christmas in July drive, we’re able to replenish our supply and offer toys to kids here at Oishei Children’s Hospital during the summer months,” said Allegra C. Jaros, MBA, president, Oishei Children’s Hospital. “I want to say a big thank you to Assemblyman Mike Norris and the community for coming together to make this possible.”

“For me happiness is seeing the smiles on all the children’s faces,” said Santa. “Their happiness and smiles make this special trip from the North Pole worthwhile.”

Residents throughout Western New York participated in the toy drive. Donations can still be accepted by contacting the hospital directly or through their website.

EDITOR’S NOTES: Raw video footage was provided by the hospital for TV stations to use: https://drive.google.com/open?id=1NIeIEiY4wf-33s7IHVktUTE97F6mj7Js