Benefit for the Asbury Park Toy Drive hauls in the goods
More toy donations are needed, especially for girls 9-12 years old
Organizers of the Asbury Park Toy Drive began their seasonal quest for toy and coat donations at the 14th annual toy drive kickoff held at Georgies Bar.
Connie Sue Breech, an Asbury Park Police Officer who was recently elected to the Asbury Park Board of Education, has organized the drive for as many years along with several other volunteers.
“It was Georgie’s idea when he took over the bar,” she said. The event started with a few friends and has now grown considerably into a night of revelry filled with live entertainment, free buffet and a 50/50 raffle for a packed house.
A considerable amount of toy donations were collected [shown above], but for Breech, that is just the outset. Her organization is still accepting toys for children, from infants to 15 years old.
“It was a good turnout,” she said. “It was a good start, but that’s it — it’s just a start. We’re still in desperate need of toys, especially for girls around nine to 12 years old. From now until the 20th is the big push.”
In the first year, Breech gathered enough donations for about 80 Asbury Park families. Ten years ago, there were so many families that requested toys she had to start an application process. For this year’s drive, just over 200 families have already filled out the application and she expects another 200 will before the Dec. 13 deadline.
Since its inception, the “little idea just grew into this massive undertaking,” said Breech.
On Dec. 21, the Saturday before Christmas, the lobby of city hall is transformed into a donation pick-up location with Santa Claus on-site, she said. Tables of winter clothing and gently-used toys are also set up and made available to families in need.
“It’s all about helping families and helping the kids here in Asbury Park.”
Asbury Park Toy Drive donation bins are located at Frank’s Deli, Jimmy’s Italian Restaurant, The Tides Hotel, The Asbury Park Roastery, America’s Cup, The Community Bank of Asbury Park, and in Convention Hall’s Grand Arcade.
Breech is also willing to pick ups toys from anyone who is unable to make it to drop off donations at any of the donation locations. There’s no set limit on the distance, either.
“If it’s for some toys, I’ll go the distance,” she said.
The next opportunity to attend an Asbury Park Toy Drive event is Friday, Dec.6, at the Wonder Bar’s “Rock for Tots” benefit featuring the music of Tango Machina, Ziggy Shock, Goodbye Tiger and Frances Jones & The Saviors. Visit the Wonder Bar’s Facebook page for more information.
The Cameo Bar is also hosting a “Stuffed Bear Drive” to on Saturday, Dec. 14. Click here for more information.
Families of children that live in Asbury Park are invited to fill out an application at Asbury Park Police headquarters, located at One Municipal Plaza. Applications are available in both English and Spanish.
Monetary donations can be sent to the Asbury Park Toy Drive at P.O. Box 1469, Asbury Park, NJ 07712.
For more information, call 732-502-5727 or check the Asbury Park Toy Drive Facebook page.
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