Assemblyman Edward C. Braunstein (D-Bayside) wrapped up his record-breaking holiday gift drives for hospitalized veterans and needy and hospitalized children. Thousands of toys for children, as well as hundreds of toiletries, candy and clothing items for veterans, were donated by civic and senior organizations, 18 schools, and dozens of local residents. "I was overwhelmed once again by the incredible generosity of my constituents who helped bring holiday cheer to those in need. I want to express my sincere gratitude and appreciation to our community for making these gift drives such a success. Since we received so many donations, we were able to bring smiles to the faces of thousands of needy children, as well as hundreds of hospitalized veterans this holiday season," said Braunstein. "Additionally, I want to thank Community Board 11, Dr. William Duke, and Whitestone Volunteer Ambulance Service for their assistance and support with this year's drives," said Braunstein. Assemblyman Braunstein provided toys to numerous institutions and charitable programs, including: ANIBIC; NYC Children’s Center — Queens Campus; QSAC Day School of Whitestone; QSAC Preschool & Early Childhood Center of Douglaston; Queens Chronicle Toy Drive for Boulevard Family Residence, Dove House, Kings Inn Family Center, Metro Family Residence and Saratoga Family Inn; Ronald McDonald House; Sacred Heart R.C. Church Toy Drive; St. Mary’s Hospital for Children; Toys for Tots; Transition Domestic Violence Shelter; United States Army; Uno Pizzeria & Grill Toy Drive 4 Kids in Need; and YAI Bayside Premier HealthCare. All donations to the Veterans' Gift Drive were delivered on December 18th by Braunstein and his staff, along with students from Benjamin N. Cardozo High School, to the St. Albans VA Community Living Center and the New York State Veterans Home at St. Albans. Among the schools and community organizations that contributed to this drive were: Bayside Community Library, Bayside Kiwanis, Benjamin N. Cardozo High School, Friends of Fort Totten Parks, Greater Whitestone Taxpayers Civic Association, Greater Whitestone Taxpayers Community Center, IS 25, Jefferson Democratic Club, Lucille Roberts, MS 67, MS 158, MS 294, New York Mets, PS 32, PS 98, PS 107, PS 130, PS 159, PS 169, PS 184, PS 188, PS 193, PS 209, PS 221, PS 811, Queensboro Hill Community Church, Senior Club at St. Kevin's Parish, SNAP of Eastern Queens Innovative Senior Center, St. Mel's Italian American Association, and the William Spyropoulos Greek-American Day School.

Assemblyman Edward C. Braunstein and Chief of Staff David Fischer are pictured with PS 811 Principal Penny Ryan, Cluster Teacher Carol DeLuca, and officers of the Student Council, along with donations from the students and staff.

Assemblyman Braunstein and students and staff from Benjamin N. Cardozo High School are pictured with Deirdre Samuel, Coordinator of Volunteer Services at the NYS Veterans Home at St. Albans; Sgt. James Weir, Jr., a veteran of the United States Army; Pvt. Larry McKelton, a veteran of the United States Navy and the Secretary of the Residents Council at the Veterans' Home; Nina Faraguna, who served as a civilian member of the United States Navy; Cpl. Charles Hanley, a veteran of the Army; and Sgt. Vincent Macegnone, a veteran of the United States Air Force.