South Huntington Wrestling Throws Party For Angela's House Kids

SMITHTOWN, NY — The Walt Whitman High School wrestling team spent Monday of their holiday week spreading joy to children who needed a little extra spirit.

The boys, representing the South Huntington School District, visited the Smithtown chapter of Angela's House, a non-for-profit whose mission it is to help families caring for medically-frail children. The organization aims to simplify home care options for families by coordinating the wide array of services needed to support the children at home.

The wrestling team visited the kids and threw a holiday bash. The team organized a pizza party, read a Christmas story to the children, sang Christmas carols and delivered gifts.

Chris Cardella, the team's coach, dressed as Santa Claus and handed presents out based on the children's wish lists. He told Patch that giving back was extremely important to him and his team.

"I wanted my wrestlers to understand how lucky they are to be able to take the mat every day," he said. "I wanted them to realize that there’s so much good they can do just by opening up their hearts to others. Many of the residents were athletes or had aspirations to become athletes prior to their illness. For my wrestling team to be able to brighten these kids' days and put a smile on their faces was an incredible feeling for my team."

Cardella said he hopes his wrestlers learn to always treat others kindly and always give back when they're in a position to do so.

"I’m lucky enough to have one of the strongest, caring, giving group of wrestlers I’ve ever had," he said. "Once the opportunity to give back was presented, these guys jumped all over it."

He called Angela's House an incredible organization and plans to work with them year after year.

Photos

Photos by Thomas Ciravolo