EDISON — The township has kicked off its annual holiday toy drive to benefit needy children this year, with township officials donating the first items during the drive’s official start on Dec. 3.
“I am proud of our community’s spirit of giving. This toy drive is another opportunity for Edison residents to make a difference during the holiday season for families and children who otherwise might not even receive a gift,” said Edison Mayor Jun Choi, who donated a set of Mega Bloks and a Spin ‘n Learn.
The collection is a township-wide endeavor, with cooperation from the municipal government, fire department, library, local churches and others. Unwrapped toys for youngsters from toddlers up to teenagers can be dropped off at all six Edison firehouses and during regular operating hours at all three of Edison’s public libraries. The last day to drop off toys is Thursday, Dec. 18.
The toys will go to Hands of Hope for the Community at the St. James Episcopal Church on Woodbridge Avenue. They will be distributed to the needy on Dec. 20 between 11 a.m. and 1:30 p.m.
Any surplus toys that are not given out on Dec. 20 will be donated to other Edison charities.
People looking for more information on the toy drive should contact Jackie Goedesky, of Hands of Hope, at (732) 985- 1884.
Communications Director Jerry Barca said that last year the township collected about 400 toys for more than 300 children. The toy drive follows a massive canned food drive undertaken by the township and various community organizations in which about 3,700 pounds of food was collected in 30 days.
Contact Chris Gaetano at [email protected].