No Islander Left Out in the Cold: Young Hockey Players Help Mercy Hospital Families

For many families, the arrival of colder weather brings more than just a change in seasons. It can also bring the added financial burden of keeping their children warm. This winter, a group of young Long Island hockey players is helping ease that burden, one coat at a time.

Members of the Jr. Islanders, who play for Pride in Athletics for Life (PAL), came together to organize a winter coat drive benefiting patients of Catholic Health's Mercy Hospital Family Care Center. Recognizing that not every family has the resources to purchase winter clothing, the young athletes collected coats for children ranging from newborns to tweens, offering warmth, comfort and a reminder that their community cares.

On Tuesday, November 3, the players personally delivered over 50 coats to Mercy Hospital's Family Care Center, where patients and families gathered for a special handoff and had the opportunity to receive coats for their children.

For parents facing financial challenges, something as simple as a warm winter coat can provide comfort and peace of mind, while helping protect children from the harsh winter elements and cold-related illnesses that could otherwise lead to a visit to the emergency room.

“A winter coat is more than a source of warmth. It can be a critical layer of protection. Children lose body heat faster than adults, putting them at greater risk for serious cold-related conditions, including hypothermia and frostbite,” said Angelo Canedo, DO, family medicine physician at the Family Care Center. “Thanks to the generosity of the Jr. Islanders PAL hockey team, we're helping protect our youngest patients before dangerous winter weather arrives. This donation is more than an act of kindness. It's an investment in prevention and the health of our community.”

What makes this effort especially meaningful is that these young athletes didn't have to look far to make a difference. They recognized an opportunity to help families right in their own backyard. While teamwork is essential on the ice, these players demonstrated that compassion, generosity and looking out for one another are just as important off the ice.

After all, we're all Islanders at heart. And when our neighbors need a little warmth, we come together as one team.