Hundreds of civic, business, community and elected officials gathered in Baldwin at the Coral House to support the annual kick-off of the Long Island Toys for Tots Drive on Friday, Oct. 14. The toy drive is the nation’s largest gift program for children during the holidays. Retired Marine Corps Major Chuck Kilbride gave special recognition to the many people who make Toys For Tots possible locally, including Marines, legislators, and the police and fire departments, who work tirelessly to collect toys each year.
The hundreds of guests were treated to special performances by singer Chris Macchio, The American Bombshells, second-graders from Archer Street school in Freeport and Miss New York USA 2016, Serena Bucaj.
This was the fifth year that the Toys For Tots kick-off event was held at Coral House.
Since the 1990s, Anton Community Newspapers has been a major sponsor for the Toys For Tots charity campaign.
Once again, Anton Media Group will serve as an official drop-off location for Toys For Tots. Those who would like to make a donation of a new, unwrapped toy for a child who may otherwise go without the magic of the season are invited to do so at Anton’s office, 132 E. 2nd St. in Mineola, weekdays from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. until Thursday, Dec. 15.
Toys from communities across Nassau and Suffolk counties are collected by individuals and businesses, then distributed by the members of the U.S. Marine Corps locally to underprivileged children.
For more information about additional collection sites, donation information or to request a toy distribution, visit www.garden-city-ny.toysfortots.org or contact Staff Sergeant J. D. Quinton at toysfortots.nassaucounty@gmail.com or 516-228-5669.
