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The Asbury Park Toy Drive  began in 1999 as a way to support the needs of Asbury Park’s youth during the holiday season, and although that remains its core mission, the nonprofit has expanded its efforts to include an Easter holiday, Mother’s and Father’s Day events, as well as an annual backpack and school supply collection and coat drive.

The local organization is spearheaded by Connie Breech [at right] of the Asbury Park Police Department, with help from a host of volunteers who work to help city families that are most in need.

“When I came to Asbury Park I wanted to give back to the community because that was always something that was important to my father,” Breech said.

She immediately set out to continue her family’s tradition of giving back by working with Georgie’s owner and crew to create a holiday collection.

Today, collections drives like the one held during the annual end of summer Oysterfest event and St. Patrick’s Day Parade participation can draw up to 60 volunteers, but it is the continual help of anywhere from five to 15 volunteers that keep the nonprofit operational.

“Throughout the years people have always responded to help us,” Breech said. “When we started we were only dealing with 40 to 50 families but now we have anywhere from 400 to 500 families.

To ensure donations stay within the city, Breech asks each parent or guardian to fill out an application and during giveaways an i.d. or current utility bill has to be presented.

Breech said, while demand does fluctuate with the economy, the drive will always continue because there is always going to be a need.

“We’re always going to have kids and while some parts of the community will transition out of the need, there is always going to be someone that needs a little bit of help.”

This year, the holiday collection season launches with a focus on new, unwrapped toys for ages 0 to 15 but the applications are currently showing a larger need for ages three to six years old, she said.

The holiday drive collection schedule is as follows:

November 23 and 25 – The Stone Pony will host a pre show toy drive, with any donation valued over $10 reciprocated with a free Pony Pass good at a future concert. Both nights will feature a 50/50 raffle.

Dec 4 – Georgies Bar at 810 5th Ave will host a Toy Drive event featuring performances by the Third Wheel Band and comic Ike Avelli. There will be a free hot food buffet, drink specials, and a 50/50 raffle.

Dec 8 – Johnny Mac’s House of Spirits on Main Street will host a ‘Favorite Holiday Character’ Costume Competition and a Toy Drive.

Dec 11 – Dark City Brewing Company at 801 Second Ave is collecting toys and will feature beer specials.

The Asbury Park Toy Drive has developed a wish list via Amazon.com to make it easier those who wish to donate. Monetary donations can be sent to Asbury Park Toy Drive, PO Box 1469, Asbury Park, NJ 07712.

Collection boxes have also been placed in Hotel Tides, Georgie’s Bar, The Stone Pony, Asbury Park Roastery, Jimmy’s Restaurant, Frank’s Deli, DJs Delights, Dr. Chinicci’s office, The Dawg Joint, Silver Ball Museum, the historic Stephen Crane House, Asbury Park Towers, Anchors Bend, America’s Cup, Pure, Asbury Park Police Department lobby and inside the Asbury Park City Clerk’s office, Dark City Brewing, Asbury Festhalle Biergarten, The Wonder Bar, and at Purple Glaze.

The Asbury Park Toy Drive is a registered 501(c)(3) organization (46-3595984). For more information, e-mail asburyparktoydrive@aol.com or phone 732-312-7359.

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The Asbury Park Sun is affiliated with the triCityNews newspaper.

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