Knights of Pythias Bring Holiday Joy to St. Mary’s Kids

Children of St. Mary’s Receive Holiday Party with Performers and Presents

On Saturday, December 13th, members of the Knights of Pythias brought a little holiday surprise to some of New York’s most ill and injured children battling complex medical conditions.

Arriving with armfuls of presents and special performers, the international organization known for spreading kindness and generosity to others, held a holiday party for the kids of St. Mary’s Hospital for Children, the region’s largest provider of intensive rehabilitation, education, and specialized care for children with special needs.

With anticipation in their hearts and smiling faces, St. Mary’s kids and their families gathered around as members of the Jr. and Sr. Choir of St. Andrew Avellino Church in flushing, Queens sang carols, followed by a surprise performance by an Italian singer who belted away melodies in her native language.

The excitement heightened when Santa made a special entrance accompanied by members of the Knights of Pythias, and then walked around handing out presents to each child, ranging from coloring books to toys.

St. Mary’s kids have become very familiar with members of Knights of Pythias as the group makes frequent visits, volunteering their time and making charitable donations. They have been supporting the Bayside hospital and it’s service for many years and continues to help make a difference in the lives of children with special needs.

With over 2,000 lodges throughout the United States and Canada, Knight of Pythias is a fraternal organization of men that was established to aid people and charities on both a local and national level who lend their services for a good cause, like St. Mary’s Hospital for Children. The group dedicates their time towards promoting awareness and raising funds, as they have generously been doing for the kids of St. Mary’s.