FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Westminster, Md. (Friday, December 17, 2004) — Hampstead Elementary School’s PTA donated more than 60 toys, ranging from electronic keyboards, DVDs and sports games to books, care bear dolls, jewelry boxes and stuffed animals, to Carroll Hospital Center’s Pediatric Unit. The toys were presented to Carroll Hospital Center pediatric nurses by Donna Lyons, the PTA President and Caroline Purcell, Chairperson of PTA Breakfast with Santa. These toys were distributed and will continue to be given to patients in the hospital pediatric unit during the holiday season. “It’s a wonderful experience in that you have the opportunity to see children and help them to feel better under sometimes very difficult situations,” said Donna Lyons. The Hampstead Elementary School PTA holds an annual “Breakfast with Santa” where they accept donations for various charities. This year, Caroline Purcell, chairperson for the breakfast, initiated a toy donation drive during the breakfast to benefit sick children over the holidays. More than 140 families attended their breakfast, with a record breaking 515 people in attendance. “We thought this would be a great way to give back to the community this year, by helping children who are sick and away from home over the holidays,” said Purcell. “Maybe even give them a little joy.” Founded in 1961 as Carroll County General Hospital, Carroll Hospital Center is a nonprofit, acute care facility offering a continuum of services, including comprehensive inpatient, outpatient and community programs. ###