Assemblyman Edward C. Braunstein (D-Bayside) recently wrapped up his holiday gift drive for hospitalized veterans, as well as a toy drive for needy and hospitalized children and the young victims of Hurricane Sandy. Thousands of toys for children, as well as hundreds of toiletries, candy and clothing items for veterans, were donated by churches, synagogues, civic organizations, schools, senior citizen clubs, and many local residents.

"I was extremely touched by the overwhelming generosity of my constituents in assisting those who are struggling due to Hurricane Sandy, and helping to 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.

"In addition, I want to thank Community Board 11 and Dr. William Duke for their assistance and support with this year's drives," said Braunstein.

Assemblyman Braunstein provided toys to numerous institutions and charitable programs, including: ANIBIC; Cohen Children’s Medical Center; Dove House; Hurricane Sandy Relief Drive; Interdisciplinary Center for Child Development; Metro Family Residence; New York Hospital of Queens FreeMat program; Quality Services for the Autism Community; Queens Centers for Progress; Queens Children’s Psychiatric Center; River Fund New York; Ronald McDonald House; Sacred Heart R.C. Church Toy Drive; South Queens Boys & Girls Club; St. Joseph’s School for the Deaf; and St. Mary’s Hospital for Children.

All donations to the Veterans' Gift Drive were delivered by Braunstein and his staff to the St. Albans Community Living Center of the VA New York Harbor Healthcare System and the New York State Veterans Home at St. Albans.

Among the schools and community organizations that contributed to this drive:

AARP Chapter 1405; Friends of Fort Totten Parks; Greater Whitestone Taxpayers Community Center; Little Neck Nursing Home; MS 67; MS 158; PS 32; PS 98; PS 159; PS 169; PS 184; PS 811; Senior Club at St. Kevin's Parish; St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church Girl Scout Troops 4403 & 4404; Temple Torah of Little Neck; Whitestone Angels; the Whitestone Armory; and the William Spyropoulos Greek-American Day School.