Asbury Park Toy Drive Distributes Holiday Cheer
Edwin Martinez: This is the Christmas Spirit
Returning to the legendary Stone Pony, the Asbury Park Toy Drive delivered Christmas gifts numbering in the thousands to over 525 families Saturday morning.
“It’s a really big help,” said Keiona Franks, who selected toys, clothing, and other gift items for her four children – ages 2 to 10. “I come every year.”
Families who entered the Ocean Avenue music venue signed in before receiving gift sacks specifically filled with age-appropriate items. They could then opt to enter the free clothing queue before stopping for a visit with Santa and
“This is the first year in four that we have actually had a clear day,” co-founder Connie Breech said.
Bar A and the Stone Pony joined forces in funding a free trolly to take families from four city school locations to the venue.
“We didn’t want anyone to have to call a cab to get here,” Breech said.
Also in attendance were off-duty police officers who were spreading cheer, some through song, to the children. Breech said 32 officers signed on [with approval from the Chief] for a no shave December fundraiser in support of the Asbury Park Toy Drive.
The Asbury Park Toy Drive began in 1999 as a way to support the needs of Asbury Park’s youth during the holiday season. Although that remains its core mission, the nonprofit has expanded its efforts to include Easter, Mother’s and Father’s Day events, as well as an annual backpack and school supply collection and coat drive.
This year the behind the scenes Christmas gift aggregation included close to 30 venues serving as collection points for donated unwrapped toys and coats. In the end, over 50 volunteers worked to distribute everything from new bicycles, electronics, toys, and clothing to children age 15 and under.
Three corporate sponsors also returned this year. Wegmans, Pepsi and Windmill, respectively supplied popcorn, water and soda, and hot dogs for each of the attendees.
“This is the Christmas spirit,” said Edwin Martinez, who attended the event with his wife and three children, ages 3 to 9. “We come every year. We love it. God bless these people for what they are doing.”
The Asbury Park Toy Drive is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit. For more information, call 732-312-7359, email asburyparktoydrive@aol.com, or visit the website and Facebook page.
Below is a photo gallery of the morning event:
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