Toys for Tots Holiday Toy Drive

By Chris O'Neill

The Long Island chapter of "Toys for Tots" launched their holiday toy drive with a reception kick-off

Chapter leader Major (retired) Chuck Kilbride, and Joseph LaPadula made the event a huge success, with local officials present and thousands of toys collected for needy local children.

Toys for Tots was founded by the United States Marine Corps Reserve to distribute toys to children whose parents cannot afford to buy them gifts for Christmas. It was founded in 1947 by Marine Corps reservist Major Bill Hendricks.

The mission of the program is "to collect new unwrapped toys and distribute those toys to less fortunate children at Christmas, and deliver, through a new toy at Christmas, a message of hope to less fortunate youngsters that will assist them in becoming responsible, productive, and patriotic citizens." Major Chuck Kilbride thanked all the dignitaries - including Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman and Comptroller Elaine Phillips - who helped build support for the toy drive.

People can make donations through toysfortots.org, or e-mail at garden.city.ny@toysfortots.org, or call 516-228-3695