Bayside, NY – Assemblyman Edward C. Braunstein (D-Bayside) is proud to announce that, through the generosity of hundreds of Northeast Queens families, 12 schools, and several community organizations, his office’s annual Holiday Toy Drive collected thousands of toys for needy and hospitalized children, teens and young adults. The toys have been distributed to several charitable organizations throughout Queens ahead of the holidays.

“Northeast Queens residents embraced the giving spirit of the holiday season and showed overwhelming generosity as my office was bursting at the seams with thousands of toys for children of all ages,” said Assemblyman Edward Braunstein. “Each thoughtful donation has been given to a charitable organization in Queens and will help a local family in need celebrate and create lasting memories together.”

The organizations who received the toys included: 4 Kids in Need 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; Transition Domestic Violence Center; the United States Army for the children of deployed military personnel from Fort Totten and other local reserve bases; and the YWCA of NYC. Each organization was given hundreds of toys to distribute to the local children and families they serve.

“We are thrilled to welcome Assemblyman Edward Braunstein back to St. Mary's this year to bring toys and spread holiday cheer to our young patients," said Dr. Edwin Simpser, President and CEO of St. Mary’s Healthcare System for Children. "Assemblyman Braunstein is a valuable partner to St. Mary’s year round and his support helps our institution thrive. His generosity this holiday season will make a difference for so many patients and families and is truly cherished by the entire St. Mary’s community."

“I want to express my sincere gratitude to each and every person who donated to the toy drive, and thank Queens Community Board 11 for allowing their office to be used as a secondary drop off site. This incredible effort would not be possible without the support of the community, as well as the hard work of my staff,” said Assemblyman Braunstein. “I wish you and your family a very healthy and happy holiday season and 2024!”