We can’t thank our readers enough for all the wonderful and creative gifts they donated to make the Queens Chronicle’s 17th Annual Holiday Toy Drive such a success.
Workers at two city family homeless shelters, the Metro in Elmhurst and the Briarwood, were thrilled with all the gifts for newborns all the way up to teenagers. Officials at the nonprofit River Fund New York, headquartered in Richmond Hill, which helps needy kids, were also ecstatic about the number of donations.
We never overlook the many people who come into our Rego Park office bearing gifts. Some of the later arrivals include: Kevin Ward of Woodhaven, Mary Grace Forgione of Ridgewood, Ann Garbarini of Middle Village, Ron and Penny VanMaldegher of Woodside, who donated several collectible holiday Hess trucks, Jeffrey Goldin of Rego Park, the Variety Boys and Girls Club of Long Island City and Velia Martino of Rego Park.
Also donating were Dorian Danchig of Rego Park, Francine Scheer, Eric and Judy G. of Forest Hills, Silvia Zarine of Rego Park, Loretta Jasiak of Howard Beach, Fran and Deidre O’Kane of Middle Village, Doris and Lou Litt of Forest Hills, Victor Sawchuk of Middle Village, Sandra, Michael and Christine Jenkins of Rosedale and Judy Fell of Rego Park.
Others who contributed were a donor from Corona, Richard Capuano of Rego Park, Stephen Hewitt and family of Jamaica, Laura Buddenhagen of Ozone Park, Philip Daino of Richmond Hill, Maria Lara of South Ozone Park, who made up beautiful gift sets for teens, Kathy and Pat Tupo of Richmond Hill, who donated lovely owls from “Owls of the Enchanted Forest” books, and Betty Metaxas and Margaret Justynowicz of Middle Village.
This year’s drive began before Thanksgiving and ended on Dec. 20. Next year’s effort will begin even earlier. Keep tuned in for details
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