Thanks to a toy drive organized by the Connecticut State Police, dozens of toys were donated to Connecticut Children’s Neonatal Intensive Care Unit at UConn Health Tuesday. Nearly two dozen babies are currently being treated in the NICU and this donation will greatly help the parents who may not have the time or money to buy gifts for young family members.
“These parents have babies that are critically ill so they are spending most of their free time here with their babies so that doesn’t leave much time for shopping,” explains Deborah Feigenbaum, NICU social worker. “So they’re able to do some Christmas shopping here for the children who are important in their lives, helping to alleviate some stress.”
Feigenbaum went on to say, “It’s an unexpected surprise when they walk in and see the generosity of what the troopers have brought to us. And an additional benefit is it makes our staff feel really good!”
Shortly after the toy delivery, Marie Bagdis of Burlington was delighted and grateful to be able to pick out a couple of gifts for her son Dominic. He was born 8 weeks early and is now 35 weeks old.
