Wheaton Pediatric Office Gives Back to Children in Need

For the fifth year in a row, Joy Castrovillari, MD, and Roy Betti, MD – both pediatricians at the Wheaton practice – worked with their staff to provide and distribute gifts to children at a local elementary school. The children receiving gifts are refugees or come from low-income families. Dr. Castrovillari initiated the tradition and Dr. Betti plays Santa each year. Their efforts provide gifts to children who normally won’t receive them.

“We’ve heard the kids at the event say these are the only Christmas gifts they will receive this year,” Dr. Castrovillari said. “I will never forget when one little girl didn’t want to open her present because she said it was the only one she would have.”

In addition to the Wheaton staff providing gifts, the FT Cares Foundation contributed gifts for the last three years. The event is something Dr. Castrovillari, Dr. Betti and their staff look forward to each year.

“It means a great deal to me to be able to provide joy to these children,” Dr. Castrovillari said. “It has become their favorite part of the school year. The smiles these kids have when they see Santa and the presents always leaves me teary-eyed.”