Thousands of toys donated through Assembly Member Braunstein’s annual Northeast Queens drive

A local toy drive brought holiday cheer to thousands of children in need in Northeast Queens and beyond.

Assembly Member Edward Braunstein’s (D-26) annual holiday toy drive collected thousands of toys for children, teens, and young adults who were hospitalized or in need. Braunstein announced on Dec. 20 that hundreds of families, 11 schools and community organizations donated thousands of toys for recipients.

Braunstein oversees the neighborhoods of Auburndale, Bay Terrace, Bayside, Bayside Hills, Broadway-Flushing, Douglaston, Floral Park, Glen Oaks, Little Neck, New Hyde Park and North Shore Towers.

The toys were distributed to several charitable Queens-based organizations ahead of the holidays. Each organization was allotted several toys to distribute to the families they support.

Assemblyman Braunstein and Chief of Staff Suzanne Monteverdi stand with a volunteer with Ronald McDonald House in New Hyde Park picking up the toy donation. Photo courtesy of the office of Assemblyman Edward C. Braunstein

The organizations that received the toys include Blueprint Blueprint 4 Kids drive for homeless families, QSAC Day School of Whitestone, QSAC Preschool & Early Childhood Center of Douglaston, the Queens Chronicle Toy Drive, Ronald McDonald House Metro, St. Mary’s Hospital for Children,

Other recipient organizations include the Transition Domestic Violence Center, the United States Army for the children of deployed military personnel from Fort Totten and other local reserve bases, the YWCA of NYC, and the Korean American Family Service Center.

Assemblyman Braunstein pictured with volunteers picking up toys for the children of deployed United States Army military personnel from Fort Totten and other local reserve bases. Photo courtesy of the office of Assemblyman Edward C. Braunstein

Braunstein said in a statement that he was thankful that the community came out and successfully supported the initiative. “Northeast Queens residents truly embraced the giving spirit of the holiday season, and I sincerely thank each and every person who donated a toy,” said Braunstein. “Each thoughtful donation will help a local family create cherished memories.”

Braunstein also thanked Queens Community Board 11 for allowing the Little Neck office to be used as a second drop-off site. This incredible effort would not be possible without the community’s support and my staff’s hard work,” said Braunstein.