East Coast Cars Association 15th Annual “Toy Run” Brings Holiday Cheer to St. Mary’s Kids

Group Raises Over $11,000 for New York’s Sickest Children

Members of the East Coast Car Association, Inc. successfully hosted their 15th annual “Toy Run,” bringing a lively parade of approximately 100 cars laden with toys and holiday gifts for St. Mary’s Kids. The classic and custom cars and motorcycles led by the Metropolitan Fire Association of Staten Island and NYPD Highway 3 escort delighted the children who eagerly lined up on the St. Mary’s Hospital for Children Campus, in Bayside. The children were especially excited to have their photos taken by Sue the Christmas Bear.

The annual classic car and toy run, sponsored and founded by East Coast Cars, was created in 1999 to deliver the joys of the holiday to the children of St. Mary’s who are battling complex medical and life-limiting conditions. Each year, the children look forward to East Coast Cars visit that is the official start of he holiday season for St. Mary’s Kids.

Through its fundraising effort for St. Mary’s, East Coast Car Association supports programs and services including St. Mary’s Music Therapy program, and recently named a patient room in the Children’s Pavilion in honor of its founder, Eddie Walter to help improve the quality of life for children with special needs.