Thanks to the extraordinary generosity of people in and around our community, the Park Slope Civic Council collected 1,500 toys during this year’s annual Toys for Tots gift collection, breaking the previous record number of 1,100 toys.
Such community spirit helped brighten the holiday season for many local children and their families in need, who received the gifts through Christian Help in Park Slope (CHIPS), DWA FANM (Women’s Rights in Creole), Project Reach Youth (PRY), Red Hook Lions, and Saint Augustine’s Church Food Program.
“When the toy collection started this year, I had no feeling as to what our donations would be like,” said Tom Miskel, event chair and longtime Civic Council trustee. “As time passed, though, the amount of toys grew. By Jan. 6 [the last day for collection], the number of donated toys had grown to more than 1,500, exceeding our record number from last year. I wish to thank all of my elves and ‘elfettes’ for their continuing support, helping us to reach as many children and families as is possible.”
This 17th annual collection drive also marked an extraordinary amount of cooperation among businesses and organizations throughout the neighborhood.
The Civic Council appreciates the help of every storefront and institution that agreed to be gift collection centers: Astoria Federal Savings (two branches); Back to the Land Natural Foods; the Church of St. Saviour; Citibank (on Seventh Avenue); the Community Bookstore; Dram Shop; Elizabeth Pongo Fitness Studio; Evan Breth Progressive Podiatry; Greenwood Baptist Church; La Bagel Delight; Little Things Toy Store; New Millennium Real Estate; Assemblymember Joan Millman’s office on Smith Street; North Flatbush Avenue Business Improvement District, and various stores along Flatbush Avenue; Orrichio Anderson Realty; Park Slope Armory — YMCA Sports Complex; Prospect Park YMCA; St. Francis Xavier R.C. Church; Scottadito Restaurant; and Shaw Real Estate.
The Civic Council also wishes to thank everyone who donated a gift and all of the volunteers who worked so hard to make the latest Toys for Tots the best ever.
from the Winter 2012 Civic News