By Carlotta Mohamed
State Assemblyman David Weprin brought holiday joy and cheer to children Dec. 19 by hosting the 24th Assembly District’s fifth annual Holiday Toy Drive.
Weprin distributed hundreds of new toys and toys in good condition to the children of the Boys & Girls Club of Metro Queens at 110-04 Atlantic Ave. and Heartshare Cuomo First Step Early Childhood Center at 115-15 101st Ave. in Richmond Hill just in time for the holidays.
Weprin collected toys over the past several weeks at both of his district offices and at Irwin Altman Middle School (MS 172) in Glen Oaks with the help of Principal Jeffery Slivko and the student community. A majority of the toys were collected by the students and the rest were donated by generous constituents across the district.
The annual toy drive was dedicated to the honor of local community member Jason Weinstein after his sudden 2017 death. The Weinstein family asked that all donations in their son’s name be directed to Heartshare Human Services of New York, The Assemblyman was inspired by their act of generosity. As a result, Hundreds of children across Queens will get a special surprise this holiday season in memory of Weinstein.
“I want to thank Principal Jeffery Slivko, the students of Irwin Altman Middle School 172, and all the community members who found it in their heart to donate gifts. Each year the toy drive is more successful than the last and it would not be possible without kind hearted people of our community,” said Weprin. “I am sure that the late Jason Weinstein would be happy to know that we were able to bring so many children a little bit of holiday joy in his honor.”
Reach reporter Carlotta Mohamed by e-mail at cmoha
