For Immediate Release
December 7, 2007
Contact: Laura Pollio
732-751-7537
lpollio@meridianhealth.com

ORGANIZATIONS ACROSS MONMOUTH AND OCEAN COUNTIES JOIN K. HOVNANIAN CHILDREN’S HOSPITAL TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE THIS HOLIDAY SEASON

Neptune, NJ - The holiday season often brings out the best in people. They’re more cheerful, more willing to lend a helpful hand to a stranger, and most importantly, more generous. This is certainly the case when it comes to the residents and organizations of Monmouth and Ocean Counties.

Numerous organizations throughout Monmouth and Ocean Counties are hosting holiday giving trees and drop boxes where their customers and patrons will have the opportunity to purchase a gift for patients at K. Hovnanian Children’s Hospital at Jersey Shore University Medical Center. Those interested are asked to leave an age approipriate gift in a drop box or take a tag off a K. Hovnanian Children’s Hospital giving tree, located at the Sea Girt, Shrewsbury and Freehold Talbots.

Additional giving trees are located at the Manasquan Savings Bank branches on Main Street in Manasquan, Route 35 in Wall, Highway 71 in Spring Lake Heights, and Princeton Avenue in Brick, and were coordinated by the Junior League of Sea Girt. Drop boxes, organized by the Friendly Sons of Shillelagh, are located at Central Jersey Bank locations, participating Dunkin Donuts in Belmar, Asbury Park and Toms River, Kleins, Terry’s Place, Federicos, Delia’s Main Street, Taylor Hardware, Kelly’s, Clancy’s, Jack’s Tavern, Wings Fitness, Drew’s Market, and the Monmouth County Prosecutors Office.

Bill Faverzani, director of Children’s Services at Meridian Health, explains “We are so thankful for the generosity of these groups and those who purchase gifts this holiday season. It really is a great opportunity for members of our community to help a child smile this Christmas. The families also really appreciate all that is done.”

Other organizations who take part in giving to K. Hovnanian Children’s Hospital are Manalapan High School, St. Dominics School Girl Scouts, Marlboro Police Department, St. Rose High School Girls Basketball Team, St. Thomas Church, Off the Hook Motorcycle Club, The McDonalds in Neptune, Southern Monmouth Chamber of Commerce, Brookdale Community College, Girl Scout Troop 882 of Asbury Park, Knights of Columbus of Spring Lake, Pilots for Kids, and the Volpe and Gabriella families.

How you can help
•· Visit one of the stores or organizations listed above and donate a gift.
•· Purchase any gift of your choice and leave them at the front desk at Jersey Shore University Medical Center, located at 1944 Route 33, Neptune.
•· To make monitary donation, visit KhovnanianChildrensHospital.com and click “to donate” or call 732-751-5134 Monetary donations will go towards new, state-of-the-art equipment, expansions, and facility updates.

About K. Hovnanian Children’s Hospital
K. Hovnanian Children’s Hospital at Jersey Shore University Medical Center is the first state-designated children’s hospital in Monmouth and Ocean counties. As the regional leader in advanced pediatric care, K. Hovnanian Children’s Hospital is home to the area’s most comprehensive range of subspecialty services with board certified pediatric sub-specialists in over 20 disciplines. As a member of Meridian Health, K. Hovnanian Children’s Hospital partners with Jersey Shore University Medical Center, Ocean Medical Center, and Riverview Medical Center, and offers the area's largest affiliated network of board-certified pediatricians. For additional information, or for a referral, call the Meridian HealthLine at 1-800-560-9990 or visit KHovnanianChildrensHospital.com.

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