Virtua's Own Santa Drives Toy Collection For Pediatric Patients

Virtua Health’s own Santa Claus, Sam Lecroce, bought and purchased all the toys that were delivered to the hospital to benefit its pediatric patients during the Joseph Lacroce Foundation’s ninth annual Toy Drive, according to the health system.⁣

“This year, supporting each other and the children in our community is more important than ever,” said Sam, president of the Joseph Lacroce Foundation. “We may not be hosting our traditional parade of cars or have caroling volunteers deliver the toys, but what’s most important is the children will feel special again this year, knowing we are thinking of them.”

In previous years, a caravan of classic and collector cars traveled to Virtua Voorhees Hospital, where volunteers unloaded hundreds of donated gifts.

However, the number of participants was greatly reduced this year amid the coronavirus pandemic, health officials said. The toys were delivered to the Eat Well Distribution Center on the Voorhees hospital campus.

The toys will now be distributed to children served by Virtua Health through its CASTLE Program, Center for Women, Child Life Program, NICU, Pediatrics, and Pediatric Early Intervention/Pediatric Mobile Services.

“The generous support of Sam and the Joseph Lacroce Foundation has provided thousands of children in South Jersey with much-needed health care services,” Virtua President and Chief Executive Officer Dennis W. Pullin said. “Sam’s compassion and generosity know no bounds, and we are thankful for his commitment, support, and friendship.”

To learn more about the Joseph Lacroce Foundation or to make a donation to the programs it supports for children, including Virtua’s Pediatric Mobile Services unit, visit JosephLacroceFoundation.org.