Assemblyman Edward C. Braunstein (D-Bayside) wrapped up his office’s 8th Annual Holiday Gift Drive for veterans and needy and hospitalized children. Once again, thousands of toys for children, as well as hundreds of items for veterans, including new clothing, candy, toiletries, and puzzles, were donated by 16 schools, numerous civic and senior organizations, and several hundred local residents.

“I was overwhelmed by the amazing generosity of my constituents who helped bring holiday cheer to those in need. I would like to express my sincere appreciation and gratitude to our community and our schools for continuing to make 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 Assemblyman Braunstein.

“Additionally, I want to thank Community Board 11 and Dr. William M. Duke for their continuous support for our Holiday Gift Drive,” said Assemblyman Braunstein.

Assemblyman Braunstein provided toys to numerous institutions and charitable programs, including: 4 Kids in Need drive for homeless families; QNS Toy Drive for St. Paul the Apostle Church; QSAC Day School of Whitestone; QSAC Preschool & Early Childhood Center of Douglaston; Queens Chronicle 24th Annual Toy Drive; Ronald McDonald House; Sacred Heart Church Toy Drive; St. Mary’s Hospital for Children; Transition Domestic Violence Center; and the United States Army.

All donations to the Veterans' Gift Drive were delivered by Assemblyman 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:

American Legion Edward M. McKee Post 131, Bayside Kiwanis, Benjamin N. Cardozo High School, Friends of Fort Totten Parks, Greater Whitestone Taxpayers Civic Association, Greater Whitestone Taxpayers Senior Center, IS 25, Jefferson Democratic Club, MS 67, MS 158, PS 32, PS 41, PS 98, PS 107, PS 159, PS 169, PS 184, PS 203, PS 209, PS 221, PS 811, Saint Mel's Italian American Association, Senior Club at St. Kevin's Parish, and the William Spyropoulos Greek-American Day School.