24th Annual Holiday Toy Drive

            Helping Hands in West Islip, Inc. will be accepting donations of new and almost-new children’s toys (no used games or puzzles please) and other gift items on Wednesday, December 10, 2014, from 3:00-5:30PM at the West Islip Fire Department at 309 Union Boulevard, for distribution to local charities and needy families.  Everyone is welcome to stay to help wrap (please bring your own scissors and tape).  Having the drive after school allows children to see firsthand how wonderful and generous our community is and Scouts, religious classes and all students who help can earn community service hours.  Last year we collected over 6,000 toys and this year the need is so much greater. 

            The children eagerly line up to see Santa for what may be their one and only gift, so please donate only new or near-new, spotless toys and gifts.  You can tie some books together or fill lunch boxes or decorated bags with assorted goodies and sample bath and personal items and inexpensive jewelry are perfect for older youth who are often overlooked.  Slippers and socks are desperately needed, and Costco movie tickets for Tanger would make it possible for some children to experience their first holiday matinee.  If you are not sure of a toy’s condition please do not bring it, we are not able to check for missing parts.  We ask that all items bear the traditional HH touch of a ribbon with candy cane, lollipop or small toy attached and that all items be labeled with the sex and suggested age of the child.

            Helping Hands operates on zero funding and welcomes donations of large garbage bags, wrapping papers and supplies.  You may also contribute to HH on PayPal, there is a link on our website.   If you have items in good condition that are just not suitable for Santa you may contact us at www.freewebs.com/hhinwi or jengallozzi@optonline.net for locations that welcome such items.