LARCHMONT, N.Y. (1010 WINS) — Stop & Shop stores across Westchester County delivered over 300 stuffed animals on Monday to the home of a 6-year-old cancer survivor who will donate the toys to other pediatric cancer patients through her charity.
"It makes [the kids] feel better — feel happier." said Cassidy Kline, 6, an ambassador to Stop & Shop’s Help Cure Childhood Cancer Campaign.
Currently in remission after being diagnosed with stage-four rhabdomyosarcoma, a rare muscle and soft tissue cancer, Kline said she wanted to donate the toys to make other kids feel happy.
"When I was a kid lots of people gave me toys so I want to give lots of people toys to feel better," she added.
The stuffed animals were presented with the help of the supermarket giant and her Cuddles from Cassidy, whose mission is to provide comfort and joy to children battling life-threatening illnesses by providing stuffed animals and toy care packages.
Stephen Neilsen, store manager at Yonkers Stop & Shop, said helping Kline's charity supports the supermarket's message.
"One of our values at Stop & Shop is [that] we support our community, and doing this is a way of supporting the community and helping a great foundation," he added.
With the approach of the holiday season, Janine Kline, Cassidy’s mother and CEO of Cuddles from Cassidy, said it's a time to give back and share messages of hope.
"Unfortunately, there are a lot of children that won't be able to go home for Christmas, so these teddy bears will be amazing for them to have in the hospital."
