Thanks to the extraordinary generosity of people in and around Park Slope, the Park Slope Civic Council collected a record 2,000 toys, games, and books during this year’s annual Toys for Tots gift collection, breaking the record of 1,500 toys set in last year’s drive.
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), Project Reach Youth (PRY), the Lions Club of Red Hook, the Safe Horizons Brooklyn Community Program, the Crown Heights Community Mediation Center, and Saint Augustine’s Church Food Program.
“This year, a lot of families have been through so much, especially after hurricane Sandy,” said Tom Miskel, event chair and long-time Civic Council trustee. “It means so much to the recipients to receive the donated toys during the holiday season. The record-breaking number of toys collected this year is a testament of the generosity within the community.
“I wish to thank all of my helpers for their continuing support, enabling us to reach as many children and families as is possible,” he added.
This 18th 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: Assemblymember James Brennan’s Office, Assemblymember Joan Millman’s Office, Astoria Federal Savings (both local branches), Back to the Land Natural Foods, Councilmember Brad Lander’s Office, The Church of St. Saviour, Citibank (on Seventh Avenue),; The Community Bookstore, Evan Breth Progressive Podiatry, Goldy + Mac (both locations), Greenwood Baptist Church, Has Been Internet Café, Holy Name Church, Jinglebell Jamboree, Little Things Toy Store, Little Things Two, New Millennium Real Estate, the North Flatbush Business Improvement District, Orrichio Anderson Realty, P.S. 39, the Prospect Park YMCA, Scottadito Restaurant, Saint Francis Xavier Church, South Slope Pediatric, Tabeel, and YMCA–Armory.
The Civic Council 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.
If you’d like to volunteer for next winter’s holiday toy drive, e-mail us at toys4tots@parkslopeciviccouncil.org.