Operation C.R. Inc., a Flushing-based nonprofit, has partnered with the office of New York State Senator John Liu to collect donations for a holiday toy drive benefiting children in need throughout New York City.
The drive, which runs through Dec. 17, is seeking donations of new or gently used toys. These donations will be distributed to children across the city in time for the holidays.
William Dobie, CEO of Operation C.R. Inc., emphasized the organization’s commitment to serving the community. Founded as an extension of Champions Martial Arts, which operates martial arts schools across the five boroughs and Long Island, the nonprofit focuses on giving back to those in need.
“We strive to make a positive impact, whether it’s through providing food or toys, especially during the holiday season,” Dobie said.
In addition to its holiday toy drive, Operation C.R. recently completed its annual food drive on Nov. 27 in collaboration with Faith Bible Hope Center in Flushing. The event resulted in more than 4,230 non-perishable food items being donated to the church, many of which came from Champions’ martial arts students. These donations will help sustain the church’s weekly food pantry service, which operates every Thursday.
Dobie noted that Operation C.R. began working with Faith Bible Hope Center during the pandemic when food insecurity became an urgent issue in the local community. The organization aims to continue supporting the church and its efforts to alleviate food insecurity in Queens.
“I think the awareness of food insecurity became more prevalent in the pandemic, even though it’s an issue that’s always been around. A lot of these food pantries just kind of started up in neighborhoods during the pandemic, and the one in Faith Bible, I believe, was one of them,” he said. “Our mission statement is to help children and families, so during the pandemic… that’s how we further developed our mission,” he said.
Dobie added that these initiatives highlight the values Champion’s Martial Arts students should learn on and off the mat. “I believe that as martial artists, one value that they can take with them off the mat is making an impact in the community around them. Just doing what they can to help those in need,” he said. “I would love to make students aware of that and allow students to practice that.”
Operation C.R. accepts rolling donations for its food insecurity program. Residents interested in donating to the upcoming holiday toy drive can contact operationcr2018@gmail.com.
