GULFSIDE REGIONAL HOSPICE HOLDS HOLIDAY PARTY FOR BEREAVED CHILDREN

NEW PORT RICHEY FL,  December 17, 2008  – There was an early Santa Claus sighting at Gulfside Regional Hospice during its annual Mending Hearts holiday party for children who have lost a loved one on Dec. 15 at the hospice’s main office in New Port Richey.

Forty-seven children attended the party. The children filled out a wish list and then their names were placed on a tree and selected by Gulfside staff and friends of the hospice, who bought the gifts. Local businesses including WDUV 105.5 FM, Macy’s at Gulfview Square Mall, Taylor Freezer and Ultimate Vending also provided gifts for the children. The Mike Alstott Family Foundation also gave $5,000 worth of toys, which filled over-sized stockings that each child took home with them to open later.

“The Mike Alstott Family Foundation was formed to help uplift the spirits of children and families in need,” said Mike Alstott, president of the foundation and former Tampa Bay Buccaneers player. “During the holiday season, it feels wonderful to help an organization like Gulfside Regional Hospice and bring a smile to the face of a grieving child.”

At the party, Gulfside’s bereavement staff dressed as elves to help Santa distribute the gifts to the kids. Santa led the children in singing popular holiday songs. Catering company Bob Murphy’s N.Y. Style Catering and Deli donated refreshments to the event, which everyone ate after the presents were opened.

The mission of Gulfside Regional Hospice is to provide compassionate, quality care to individuals and their loved ones as they face life-limiting illnesses. All bereavement services are provided free of charge to Pasco County residents regardless of previous participation with hospice, and includes support groups, the Mending Hearts Children Program and individual counseling. For more information about Gulfside Regional Hospice services, call (727) 845-5707 or visit http://www.GRHospice.org <http://www.grhospice.org

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