Toys For Tots
Make A Child Smile

By Brian M. Rafferty

The holidays are a time of excitement for children throughout Queens. The pleasure of opening a gift, tearing through the wrapping to reveal the hidden treasure inside is a fond childhood memory – one we usually don’t lose as we age.

That is why, when we see a child whose parents are unable to provide that basic experience, our hearts reach out and we seek to make the holiday brighter for at least one more kid.

The Toys For Tots program, founded by the United State Marine Corps 59 years ago. Toys for Tots needs your help more than ever to achieve its goal of delivering a toy to every child in need.

“Your cash donations will help the Marines buy toys in bulk at deeply discounted prices,” the Toys For Tots Web site reads. “These cash donations allow Toys for Tots to better ensure children receive both age and gender appropriate toys.”

You can make a donation by clicking the Sponsor a Toy link at the top of the Web page at toysfortots2006.com. Donations are 100 percent tax deductible.

Also, new toys for kids 8-14 can be dropped of at “toy barrel” locations, such as those found at local Toys R Us stores.

Toys R Us is holding its Million Toy Drive as well, with cash being accepted at any Toys R Us or Babies R Us location in the tri-state area through Dec. 24. Donations are also being accepted online at toysrus.com or babiesrus.com.

Toys R Us has locations at 61st Avenue and Douglaston Parkway in Little Neck, 30-02 Whitestone Expy in Whitestone, and at the MetroMall on 66th Street and Metropolitan Avenue in Middle Village. There is a Babies R Us at 139-19 20th Ave

Looking for other places to bring a toy and make a difference in a child’s holiday? These are a handful of the places and organizations in Queens who are participating in toy-drop-off programs.

Counseling Services of EDNY
163-18 Jamaica Ave Suite 502
Jamaica, NY, 11432

Independent Bikers Toys for Tots
11012 Jamaica Ave
Richmond Hill, NY, 11418

Tots 2 Seniors Toy & Holiday Gift Drive
230-44 146TH AVENUE
Rosedale, NY, 11413

Middle Village Hockey League and Middle Village Youth Center
Juniper Valley Park
Astoria, NY, 11102