J&B Restaurant Partners Joins The John Thiessen Childrens Foundation to Collect Holiday Toys For Sick Children Toys collected for sick and economically disadvantaged children on LI

J&B Restaurant Partners, Inc., the operator of all Friendlys restaurants on Long Island, is joining forces with The John Thiessen Childrens Foundation and WBAB in an effort to make holiday dreams come true for sick and economically disadvantaged children this holiday season. From Nov. 10 through Dec. 21, members of the community are encouraged to drop off new, unwrapped toys at any of the 31 Long Island Friendlys locations. All LI Friendly restaurants are open seven days a week. The toys collected will be distributed to sick and economically disadvantaged children here on Long Island.

New York NY (PRWEB) December 5, 2003 -- J&B Restaurant Partners, Inc., the operator of all Friendlys restaurants on Long Island, is joining forces with The John Thiessen Childrens Foundation and WBAB in an effort to make holiday dreams come true for sick and economically disadvantaged children this holiday season. From Nov. 10 through Dec. 21, members of the community are encouraged to drop off new, unwrapped toys at any of the 31 Long Island Friendlys locations. All LI Friendly restaurants are open seven days a week.    The toys collected will be distributed to sick and economically disadvantaged children here on Long Island.

The John Thiessen Childrens Foundation was created in 1992 by John Thiessen, who, at the age of 17, had suffered a brain tumor. While in the hospital, Thiessen became friends with a 7-year old patient. When the hospital sponsored a holiday party, the little girl asked Santa for a teddy bear for my friend upstairs." That friend was John Thiessen who was too ill to attend the party. That little girls positive attitude and generous spirit made a real impact on Thiessen -- it was something he would never forget. And, it also laid the groundwork for The John Thiessen Childrens Foundation. The Foundations goals are to provide hospitals and child-care facilities with therapeutic and recreational equipment; support families with financial assistance to help defray medical expenses; offer sick and economically disadvantaged children toys throughout the holiday season and fulfill patients (ages birth through 18) wish lists throughout the year.

Friendlys LI is very excited to support The John Thiessen Childrens Foundation and thought that this would be a great opportunity for us to open our doors and make the holidays special for children less fortunate than our own," explains Joe Vitrano, President and CEO of J&B Restaurant Partners. To make a difference in the life of a child is the best holiday gift that one can give." Vitrano is considered by many in the New York area to be an innovator and successful leader in the restaurant industry. He has committed himself and his organization to using his success to make a difference in the communities his restaurants are located in.