FDNY- Bringing Joy to Children at iHope

Published: December 17, 2014 FDNY EMS Station 13 Bring Joy to Children at iHOPE Children got to meet Santa during the party at iHOPE. Paramedics and EMTs from EMS Station 13 brought holiday joy to 24 children at the International Academy of HOPE (iHOPE) in Harlem on Dec. 17, hosting a party for the deserving kids. “The kids are angels; they are so, so sweet,” EMT Alexandria Sevorwell said. “It’s unbelievable what they can do [at iHOPE]. They work really hard for the kids.” iHOPE is a specialized school for children with brain injuries, with students ranging in age from 5 to 17. Capt. James Darnowski read 'The Night Before Christmas' to the children. The holiday party was coordinated by EMT Sevorwell, who learned about the school after responding to a medical call at the location earlier this year. She liked the program so much she volunteered there on her birthday in November. She decided to plan a holiday party for the kids soon after, raising money and encouraging donations from her friends and the community. “We’re trying to bring happiness to the kids … and ourselves, it makes us really happy to do this,” Lt. Karen Lamanna said. “Our goal is to put smiles on their faces.” Learn more about iHOPE.