VALHALLA, N.Y. Yorktown resident Matthew Frogel took some old books and made sure they could get new use by donating them Wednesday to the Blythedale Childrens Hospital in Valhalla.
I thought about the kids who maybe had never been to a hospital before and I wanted to help them not be scared, Frogel said.
The 9-year-old collected more than 70 titles to donate to the hospital. The titles range from childrens books to novels for teenagers. Frogels donation will be placed in the hospitals Family Resource Center, where patients in the hospital can enjoy them at their pleasure independently or with their family.
Lena Cavanna, director of community relations at Blythedale, said Frogels donation will be an appreciated asset to the hospital.
Children love books - theres something for every age and interest, Cavanna said. Matthews spirit of generosity is truly wonderful and we are very thankful for his donation, which will entertain many patients and their siblings who visit our Family Resource Center.
Matthews mother, Ileane, was proud of the initiative her son took to help out other children who are in need.
We are very proud of Matthew that he thought to do this, Frogel said. Blythedale is a wonderful facility, and he was thrilled to help out."
Blythedale Childrens Hospital treats more than 300 in-patients and day patients on a daily basis. It is the only specialty childrens hospital in New York. The hospital unveiled its new state-of-the-art Family Resource Center in November. The hospital also is the only facility in the state with its own on-site public school district, the Blythedale Union Free School District.
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