Just before Christmas, members of the Long Island Ducks visited children in pediatric units at multiple area hospitals to deliver donated toys and spread holiday cheer throughout the community. The annual tradition continues to be a meaningful way for the organization to give back during the holiday season.
Ducks mascot QuackerJack was joined by team manager Lew Ford and several members of the Ducks front office staff during the visits. Together, they made stops at Good Samaritan University Hospital in West Islip, South Shore University Hospital in Bay Shore, and Stony Brook Children’s Hospital in Stony Brook, bringing smiles to patients, families, and staff members alike.
At each location, QuackerJack and Ford spent time visiting with numerous children, handing out gifts that were donated by Ducks fans throughout the month of December. Many children and their families posed for photos, received autographs, and enjoyed conversations about the upcoming Ducks baseball season. The visits provided a welcome distraction and a sense of excitement for those spending the holidays away from home.
One especially memorable stop came at South Shore University Hospital, where QuackerJack and Ford met some of the Ducks’ newest fans in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit. The visits helped brighten the day for families during an especially emotional time of year.
Hospital staff members at all three locations were also thrilled to welcome the Ducks, with many taking photos and sharing in the festive atmosphere. The Ducks organization and hospital representatives expressed their gratitude to everyone who donated toys this holiday season. Their generosity helped bring joy, comfort, and smiles to children and families during a challenging time, reinforcing the strong bond between the Long Island Ducks and the community they proudly serve year after year.