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Tis the season of giving and among those working to meet the needs of local residents is the Asbury Park Toy Drive, a local nonprofit that distributes toys and clothing to the city’s youth.

“This year will mark the 18th Holiday season and 17th year the AP Toy Drive will be assisting the children of Asbury Park,” cofounder Connie Breech said in a written statement.

The holiday collection initiative sets off Wednesday with what has become an annual Thanksgiving Bash at the Stone Pony, located at 913 Ocean Avenue. Gay Guy/Straight Guy, Lyons, The Morgan Freemasons, Well Wisher, and Vice Rags headline this Stuffed With Presents: Thanksgiving Eve Bash. Doors open at 7 p.m. and tickets are $15 in advance via stoneponyonline.com or $10 at the door with a new unwrapped toy [$15 without toy donation].

Next up will be the 17th Annual Asbury Park Toy Drive Party at Georgies Bar, where the initiative first took root back in 1999. The event runs from 4 to 9 p.m. Dec 3 and features music by Third Wheel and DJ Mick Hale, comedy by Ike Avelli and their drag performers. Hosted by Lady Marisa and Breech, a hot buffet will be served to those who bring a new unwrapped toy.

Stop by Hotel Tides between 5 and 11 p.m. Dec. 7 to support Ryan Jimenez Tips For Toys. The venue’s manager steps behind the bar to raise money for the Asbury Park Toy Drive.

And, Asbury Festhalle & Biergarten will host a 2 to 5 p.m. Photos with Santa during their noon to 7 p.m. rooftop Holiday Market, running Saturday’s and Sunday’s from Nov. 24 to to Dec 23 at 527 Lake Ave.

Collection boxes have been placed at the following locations:

Georgies Bar, 812 5thAve

The Stephen Crane House, 508 4th Ave

Dark City Brewery, 1001 Main Street

Asbury Park Roastery, 803 2nd Ave

Silver Ball Museum, 1000 Ocean Ave

The Stone Pony, 913 Ocean Ave

The Dawg Joint, 513 Bangs Ave

Booskerdoo, 1321A Memorial Drive

America’s Cup, 633 Cookman Ave

The Wonder Bar, 1213 Ocean Ave

Purple Glaze, 516 Summerfield Ave

The Empress Hotel Lobby, 101 Asbury Ave

Hotel Tides, 408 7th Ave

Grand Arcade Convention Hall, 1300 Ocean Ave

Franks Deli, 1406 Main Street

Jimmy’s Restaurant, 1405 Asbury Ave

Fit by Fred, 614 Lake Ave

Juice Beach, 701 Cookman Ave

Moto Club, 621 Lake Ave

Dr. Angelo Chinnici office, 601 Sunset Ave

Le Parisien Cleaners, 1111 Main Street

The Asbury Towers, 1701 Ocean Ave

Asbury Park City Clerk’s office and Asbury Park Police Department, during business hours, located at 1 Municipal Plaza.

Applications for City residents who need extra help during the holiday season are available in the Police Department lobby and via asburyparktoydrive.com and Facebook.

Monetary donations can be made via PayPal or sent to Asbury Park Toy Drive, PO Box 1469, Asbury Park, NJ 07712. A wishlist is available via Amazon Smile. For more information, email asburyparktoydrive@aol.com.

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