NYC Health + Hospitals/Metropolitan Hosts Annual Holiday Toy Giveaway for More than 1,000 Children and Families

NYC Health + Hospitals/Metropolitan Hosts Annual Holiday Toy Giveaway for More than 1,000 Children and Families

The event is part of Metropolitan Hospital's ongoing efforts to support local families during a time of year when community need is high and the spirit of giving is in focus

Dec 24, 2025

NYC Health + Hospitals/Metropolitan today announced its annual holiday toy giveaway has distributed gifts to over 1,000 children and families this holiday season. The event is part of Metropolitan Hospital's ongoing efforts to support local families during a time of year when community need is high and the spirit of giving is in focus. This year's toy drive was made possible through the generous support of MetroPlusHealth, the Metropolitan Hospital Auxiliary, and Municipal Credit Union (MCU). New York City Council Member-elect Elsie Encarnacion (District 8) and New York State Assemblyman Eddie Gibbs (District 68), joined staff and Santa Claus to distribute presents and spread holiday cheer.

The annual toy drive is one of several community initiatives hosted by Metropolitan Hospital over the past few months. Located in East Harlem - where nearly 30 percent of residents live below the poverty line - Metropolitan Hospital operates under the guiding principle that the strongest care is rooted in supporting community. This is especially true during the holiday season, when small acts can make a meaningful difference for children and families in need.

"We view our community as extended family and recognize that community health extends beyond physical and mental health care," said NYC Health + Hospitals/Metropolitan Chief Executive Officer, Julian S. John, MPA. "It involves embracing and supporting families by going beyond their healthcare needs. The Metropolitan community believes health services coupled with moments of joy and giving work to together to uplift others."

"This toy drive reminds us that joy is the best medicine," said NYC Health + Hospitals/Metropolitan Chief Operating Officer, Elsa Cosme, MBA. "While healthcare is at our core, we recognize that moments of joy and connection are essential for the well-being of our community."

"This time of year, when many families face additional challenges, the kindness and support from our partners bring more than just gifts - they bring joy and hope," said NYC Health + Hospitals/Metropolitan Hospital Auxiliary President, Betsy Mendez White, MPH. "The Metropolitan Hospital Auxiliary is proud to play a role in making this holiday season a little brighter for our pediatric patients and their families."

"As a community-focused institution, MCU believes in making a positive impact in all aspects of life," said Municipal Credit Union Vice President, Business Development, Craig Johnson. "Helping to bring joy to local families this holiday season aligns perfectly with our mission to uplift and support our members and neighbors."

MEDIA CONTACT: Domonique Chaplin, NYC Health + Hospitals/Metropolitan, (212) 423-7782

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About NYC Health + Hospitals/Metropolitan
NYC Health + Hospitals/Metropolitan is a 338-bed facility serving East Harlem and surrounding communities. Known historically as the primary health care provider in El Barrio, Metropolitan delivers high-quality, compassionate care to over 400,000 clinic visits and more than 60,000 emergency room visits annually. The hospital is a designated Sexual Assault Forensic Examination (SAFE) Center of Excellence and a recognized "Leader in LGBTQ+ Healthcare Equality" by the Human Rights Campaign. Since 2021, the hospital has been ranked #1 in New York State for health equity and inclusivity across all categories by the Lown Institute. Metropolitan has earned numerous honors, including the AORN, Beacon, Lantern, and Pathway to Excellence with Distinction awards, and national recognition in U.S. News & World Report's Best Hospitals list. With a legacy spanning 150 years, Metropolitan maintains the nation's oldest municipal hospital-medical school affiliation through its longstanding partnership with New York Medical College.

https://www.nychealthandhospitals.org/locations/metropolitan

About NYC Health + Hospitals
NYC Health + Hospitals is the largest municipal health care system in the nation serving more than a million New Yorkers annually in more than 70 patient care locations across the city's five boroughs. A robust network of outpatient, neighborhood-based primary and specialty care centers anchors care coordination with the system's trauma centers, nursing homes, post-acute care centers, home care agency, and MetroPlusHealth plan-all supported by 11 essential hospitals. Its diverse workforce of more than 46,000 employees is uniquely focused on empowering New Yorkers, without exception, to live the healthiest life possible. For more information, visit www.nychealthandhospitals.org and stay connected on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and LinkedIn.