Since word got out that the toys left in the Toys for Tots box at the district office of Assemblyman William Colton (D—Gravesend, Bensonhurst, Bath Beach and Dyker Heights) had been filched, numerous generous people and organizations have stepped in to fill the gap.

Among those going the extra mile so that children in need won’t go without a present at the holidays are the not-for-profit organization UA3, National Grid, Brooklyn Borough President Antonio Reynoso and City Councilmember Susan Zhuang, as well as numerous anonymous individuals who have brought toys into the assemblyman’s 155 Kings Highway office.

“I still don’t understand why anybody would steal toys donated to be given to children who are less fortunate, but we have learned, since the incident occurred, that many other people have hearts of gold,” said Assemblyman William Colton. “Since the theft last week, so many people and groups have stepped up to offer toys and support that I believe that, in the end, we will have a lot more toys for these children than we would have had, had the theft not occurred. I am so grateful to all these individuals and organizations for helping to make sure that these children have a happy holiday.”

“During this season of giving, the news of a toy theft from Assemblyman William Colton’s office was particularly upsetting,” said Don Hong, president of UA3. “We quickly joined Brooklyn Borough President Reynoso, Councilmember Zhuang and National Grid to replenish the toys so that no child will be forgotten during the holidays.”

"The holiday season is about spreading love and cheer, not taking from others. I am happy my office and so many others have stepped up to replace the stolen toys and ensure the community's children will have a joyful holiday. This is the Brooklyn way, and I'm thankful to Assemblyman Colton for quickly mobilizing the community," said Borough President Reynoso.

The toys collected will be split between Toys for Tots, a project of the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve that began in 1947, and children at the Marlboro Houses, with distribution to families in need coordinated by the Marlboro Residents Association.

Toys can be dropped off Thursday from noon to 8 p.m., and Friday, from 10 a.m. to noon. The last day for donating toys is Friday, December 19.