The Westchester Stores Janie and Jack, Kendra Scott, and Melissa & Doug Provide Holiday Gifts for Newborns and Their Families
White Plains, N.Y. – White Plains Hospital and The Westchester partnered to bring the joy of Christmas to the Hospital’s neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) with a special visit from Santa and Mrs. Claus on Wednesday, December 11.
“It’s always a treat to visit children of all ages, wherever they may be, but I love seeing the youngest ones at White Plains Hospital,” Mr. Claus said. “Wherever the missus and I go, you can count on us to ‘claus’ a scene!”
The festive fun was further underscored by Mrs. Claus. “I spend a lot of time with the elves, who can be full of mischief,” she observed. “But their joy always shines through – just as it does with these children at White Plains Hospital!”
The event has been an annual tradition at the Hospital’s NICU, though it was temporarily suspended during the pandemic. “We are delighted to welcome the Clauses back during their busiest time of year,” said Betsy Clethen, BSN, RNC-NIC, CBC, NICU Nurse and Chair of the Developmental Care Committee at White Plains Hospital. “It’s a thrill for families and staff alike and we are so appreciative of The Westchester for helping to make this year extra special.”
During their NICU visit, Santa and Mrs. Claus delivered gifts to children and their families from Westchester mall merchants Janie and Jack, Kendra Scott, and Melissa & Doug.
“As a core member of the community for decades, it is a great privilege to partner with local organizations to help spread holiday cheer,” said Alyssa Bitts, Director of Marketing at The Westchester. “We hope these gifts from Santa bring joy to the receiving families.” The Westchester, located just a few minutes away from the Hospital in White Plains, is one of the county’s premier shopping centers.
White Plains Hospital is home to one of the most advanced Level III NICUs in the Hudson Valley, recognized by the American Association of Critical-Care Nurses with a gold-level Beacon Award for nursing excellence.
About White Plains Hospital
White Plains Hospital is a proud member of the Montefiore Health System, serving as its tertiary hub of advanced care in the Hudson Valley. The Hospital is a 292-bed not-for-profit healthcare organization with the primary mission of providing exceptional acute and preventive medical care to all people who live in, work in or visit Westchester County and its surrounding areas. White Plains Hospital has outpatient medical facilities across Westchester, including multispecialty practices in Armonk, Hawthorne, Larchmont, New Rochelle, Rye Brook, Somers, Yonkers and Yorktown Heights; and Scarsdale Medical Group locations in Harrison and Scarsdale.
The Hospital is fully accredited by the Joint Commission and in 2024, White Plains Hospital received another 5-star rating from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) — the highest distinction offered by that federal agency for the third consecutive year. In addition, the Hospital received its third Magnet® designation from the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC), a distinction held by only two percent of hospitals in the country. In 2024, White Plains Hospital was awarded an “A” Safety Grade from the Leapfrog Group for the 12th consecutive time.
About Simon
Simon® is a real estate investment trust engaged in the ownership of premier shopping, dining, entertainment and mixed-use destinations and an S&P 100 company (Simon Property Group, NYSE: SPG). Our properties across North America, Europe and Asia provide community gathering places for millions of people every day and generate billions in annual sales.