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At Hospital, 3 Kings Come With Gifts for Kids [VIDEO]

Northern Westchester Hospital, Neighbor's Link team up for their annual Three Kings Day gift giving.

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Three Kings Day at Northern Westchester Hospital, Jan. 8, 2012.
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Three Kings Day at Northern Westchester Hospital, Jan. 8, 2012.

Sunday was a joyous time for little kids who came to Northern Westchester Hospital for gifts in celebration of the Epiphany.

The holiday is known as "Little Christmas" and occurs on Jan. 6, said Dr. Peter Richel, chief of pediatrics at the hospital, and commemorates the visit to the three magi, or kings.

The hospital, in partnership with Neighbor's Link, has been holding the event for almost a decade, Richel said. It caters in particular to the area's Hispanic immigrant community.

Playing the role of the kings - as well as their squires - were six youths from the region, who volunteered to hand the kids their presents.

"I really liked being a part of it, being able to give the kids their presents, seeing the joy on their faces," said Aaron Chandler, a North Salem resident who was a king dressed in red.

"It's fun," said Mount Kisco resident and squire Tina Batista, noting that she gets to see the reactions of the kids when they get their presents.

Turnout was quite strong this year, with the conference room packed. There were 138 people registered, Richel said.

Parents were pleased with the event.

Oswaldo Abril, Mount Kisco, described it as "very good." He brought several young members of his family, including is son Ediso, 5, and his three sisters in law (Yamie, Whitney and Luz, all with the last name Alomoto and respective ages of 4, 5 and 11).

Bertha Carrion, Mount Kisco, described the event as "fantastic." Her son, John Naranjo, got to pose with the kings and squires.

Check out our video and photos of the event, and feel free to upload your own.

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