Bellerose, New York – Hundreds of children across Queens will get a special surprise this holiday season thanks to the Students of Irwin Altman Middle School 172 and Assemblyman David Weprin. Weprin joined MS 172 Principal Jeffery Slivko and Student Organization Coordinator William Sasso in Bellerose to collect toys raised by the 6th, 7th and 8th graders for Assemblyman Weprin’s district-wide Holiday Toy Drive.

As children gathered to show the toys collected, Weprin thanked the students and staff of MS 172 for helping with the Holiday Toy Drive. “Each toy donated means an extra special surprise for a younger child in our community” said Weprin. “A big thank you to Principal Jeffery Slivko, Student Organization Coordinator William Sasso and all the students for this wonderful donation.” After hearing the comments, Principal Slivko responded with “It’s what we do!”

The Holiday Toy Drive, which was arranged by Assemblyman Weprin’s Office and began in November 2016, was arranged to benefit charitable organizations including HeartShare Human Services of New York's Cuomo Early Childhood Center and the Boys & Girls Club of Metro Queens; both of Richmond Hill. Donated toys will be distributed to these organizations prior to December 25th.