Manhattan court officers brought holiday cheer to sick and abused children this week by collecting 72 teddy bears and stuffed animals as part of their annual charity drive.
The deliveries were made by a volunteer Santa and helpers to the Child Protection Development Center at Bellevue Hospital and the pediatric ward and intensive care unit at Beth Israel Hospital Friday morning.
“It was amazing — it brought a smile to their faces,” said Sgt. Laura Loud, one of the organizers.
Loud said officers have been running the event for close to two decades. This year, they had an undelivered surplus that was left with the facilities to be handed out to incoming kids.
The collection started Friday morning at the 111 Centre St. courthouse and was advertised about a week in advance.