Healthfirst Celebration Delivers Joy for Community

By Jennifer L. Warren

NEWBURGH – A huge smile enveloped the face of Erma Cortes as her eyes glistened, exuding pure joy Saturday afternoon, behind her booth, in the front entrance way of the 50 NY Rte 17K Newburgh Healthfirst office.

“I love this event; it brings Christmas early, something that is so needed, especially with so much going on right now in the world,” said Cortes, a member of TEAM Newburgh Community Coalition as she oversaw the young visitors, diligently immersed in coloring wood ornaments at her table. “It brings back innocence in our children and brings back the joy; just to see the looks on the children’s faces when Santa Claus comes into the room is so wonderful, magical.”

That grand appearance entrance by Mr. Claus, sporting his classic, fluffy, white beard and clad in his trademark red robe and black boots, kicked off the official start of the Annual Healthfirst Holiday Celebration, as a long line of eager guests formed in the lobby. Busy Healthfirst employees, several adorning elves and other festively adorned attire, along with three uniformed Sergeants from Hudson Valley Marine Corp Toys for Tots and other devoted volunteers, worked together to provide approximately 300 age-appropriate gifts to elated children. Gift recipients were then provided the priceless opportunity to-along with their family- sit with Santa as well as have a Polaroid, take home snapshot capturing the special moment.

“We joined in on this event last year, when there was a phenomenal turnout and this year looks to be just as good if not better,” said Sergeant Louis from Hudson Valley Marine Corp Toys for Tots, who partners with Healthfirst for the event. “Our purpose is to give back to the community and spread joy through the gift of giving.”

That jubilation was evident both inside the venue where uplifting holiday melodies continually played and families were engaged in an assortment of activities as well as outdoors where much- welcomed hot chocolate was provided to guests on the chilly afternoon. Both children and adults were reveling in that early Christmas spirit.

“My dad, who works nearby to Healthfirst, told me about this event, and I have two siblings who get that insurance and really love it, so I knew it was a wonderful place to go,” said Tashema Brown of Newburgh. “It really is a wonderful event that is so good for the community; I’m here with my twin two year old sons, and they absolutely love their toys.”

Another gift recipient, Aubrey Brown, who was all smiles after receiving his Marvel action figure toy, expressed his elation for another memorable part of his experience.

“I love Santa Claus and seeing him,” affirmed the four year old Beacon resident Brown, who made it a point to give the white bearded icon a hearty hug immediately upon seeing him.

In addition to TEAM Newburgh Community Coalition offering the coloring wood ornament activity option for children, they also provided integral information to parents-other adults on underage alcohol and cannabis use as well as gave out lock bags. At an accompanying table, Newburgh Unity Armory Center had two representatives on hand to provide literature as well as answer any questions on their 30 Saturday morning classes and an upcoming December 20 coat give-away event at their community cornerstone facility. The emphasis of the entire two hours was on community, positivity, gratitude, and simply making the holiday season a memorable time for each person walking through the door.

“Today’s event is a way of saying thank you to the Newburgh community and a special thank you for all of the support as we celebrate another year here in our Newburgh location,” said Erika Silva, Manager at Healthfirst. “We are so appreciative to all the incredible Healthfirst staff and hardworking volunteers for making this event another big success.” She added, “Healthfirst wishes the community, our members, friends and neighbors a healthy, joyous season and New Year.”