Community Corner
Toys for Tots Fundraiser Becoming A Yearly Tradition
Sayville resident successfully continues efforts after four years.
Last week's Toys for Tots fundraiser is the kickoff to the holiday season for Sayville resident Stephanie Sheehan.
Now in its fourth year, Sheehan raises money for the United States Marine Corps Toys for Tots Foundation at the Island Hills Golf and Country Club.
Friends and family join Sheehan to support the cause with open hearts in giving gifts to children who are less fortunate. While spending time with friends and family during the holidays, Sheehan decided to make her gatherings an opportunity to help those in need.
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“We were trying to get together for the holidays and we were all in a situation where we felt we could do something nice for people. Christmas is one of my favorite times of year, so we decided to do Toys for Tots,” Sheehan said.
Local businesses, such as Lu Lu of New York, Darcy’s Delights, Turf Brothers and more, donated items for auction. Beautiful gift baskets were also donated by some of the attendees. With much buzz going around town about the event, the fundraiser has doubled since its inception.
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“We first started out with about 50 people. We plan to have 100 people attend tonight and we'll get a handful of other people coming just by word of mouth, “ Sheehan said.
Her goal is to raise $4,500 and collect 300 toys this year. “We’re looking to get a good turnout. Last year we raised more than $3,000 and collected 200 toys. I plan on doing it until I can’t do it anymore,” Sheehan said.
Attendee Marisa Michalowski, a resident of Eastport and friend of Sheehan, was happy to be a supporter of the Toys for Tots Foundation. Along with her husband Robert, they have been coming to the fundraiser for a couple of years. “I’m here to support Toys for Tots and what it stands for, especially in this economy. More and more families are in need. I want to do my part,” Michalowski said.
In full uniform, Marine Sergeant Jackson and Marine Corporal Powell were both in attendance. “Toys for Tots started in 1962 by the Marine Corps Reserve and was designed to give to military children, but since then it has blossomed to what it is today,” Sergeant Jackson said.
Toys for Tots is a nationwide charity and according to the Toys for Tots Foundation, they distributed more than 16.7 million toys to 7.2 million children last year. To get more information about donations to Toys for Tots visit their website, www.toysfortots.org.
