WABC News Features Astor Services

Astor Services for Children & Families was featured on a segment of the WABC New York news telecast of December 27, 2010.

On Thursday, December 23rd, 2010 at the Eastwood Manor, located at 3371 Eastchester Road, Bronx, NY, children served by Astor Services for Children & Families' Lawrence F. Hickey Center for Child Development (a therapeutic early childhood development program) in the Bronx got a treat when McDonald's goodwill ambassador, Ronald McDonald, entertained the children at the organization's Christmas Party, sponsored by the Countess Moira Foundation. The children also received a special visit from Santa Clause.

The day began with Ronald McDonald providing pocket magic and storytelling followed by face painting, singing, dancing and lots more. Santa topped off the day by bringing lots of cheers for the children's entire families. The Hickey Center serves children ages 2.9 years to kindergarten with behavioral and emotional needs.

"Many of the children and families we serve face significant daily challenges that are the result of unemployment, poverty and stress, yet we know that when children have the opportunity to just be children and participate with their families and siblings in a fun filled afternoon, cherished memories are created and lives can be transformed,"

said Joan DiBlasi, Ph.D., Assistant Executive Director of Astor's Bronx Community-Based Behavioral Health & Prevention Programs.