John Theissen thanked Lynbrook kindergartners for participating in his organization’s annual toy drive. Pictured with him from left are Ethan Palacio, Tyler Denker, Alessio Vinceslao, Katerina Issidoridis and Hailey Kshonz.
Courtesy Rosemary Leonetti/Syntax
Following a 15-year tradition at the Lynbrook Kindergarten Center, students have joined forces once again with the John Theissen Children’s Foundation to make the holidays a bit brighter for sick and underprivileged children in the area. Founder John Theissen paid a personal visit to the school to kick off their toy drive.
Theissen started the foundation after he had been hospitalized with a brain tumor when he was a teen. Being too ill to attend the hospital’s holiday party, a young patient named Tasha befriended him and asked Santa for a toy to help her friend feel better. Her generous act inspired him to help other children with his annual holiday toy drive.
