Senator John Liu concluded his third annual Holiday Toy Drive for military families on Friday, Dec. 19, with thousands of donations going to military families of the 77th Sustainment Brigade in Fort Totten.
Liu’s office worked alongside Champions Martial Arts schools, P.S. 242Q, the International Buddhist Progress Society and Operation Child Rescue in collecting the donations over the month of December.
“The holiday season is the perfect time to give back and show our appreciation to the families of our local hometown heroes at Fort Totten, many of whom are stationed around the world and unable to spend time with their families,” Liu said. “Donations came pouring in over the last month from individuals and groups looking to help make the holidays a little brighter this year. We are so grateful for this incredible outpouring of support!”
The donations are expected to benefit hundreds of families of military members who are stationed at the 77th Sustainment Brigade in Fort Totten. A majority of these soldiers are expected to be deployed this holiday season.
“We are so happy to have been a part of Senator Liu’s toy drive,” Flushing Champions Martial Arts Head Master Chan Hoo Ro said. “Last month, we announced this event to our Champions Martial Arts students and everyone was so happy to donate toys. Champions Martial Arts helped donate 943 toys! It’s always good to educate our children about helping people in need and it’s a great feeling when they contribute for a good cause like this.”
In this festive season, we do not forget to give gifts and blessings to military family, so that children can feel the care and warmth of the community,” Fo Guang Shan New York Temple Abbess Venerable Chueh Lin said. “We’re happy to be a part of this wonderful event where we can show our appreciation to soldiers who serve on the front line. Thanks to Senator Liu for hosting this event every year.”
