There’s no time like the present!

Assemblyman William Colton (D—Gravesend, Bensonhurst, Bath Beach and Dyker Heights) has kicked off his 2025 office toy drive, with all toys collected to be distributed through Toys for Tots to children who otherwise might not get holiday gifts.

“This is an important tradition for us,” said Assemblyman Colton. “With so many families hit hard by inflation, we want to make sure that children don’t miss out on one of the joys of the holiday season – the excitement of opening a beautifully wrapped present. And, because we know that the price of food has skyrocketed, we are aware that many families may have to trim back or skip their holiday gift-giving, just to make ends meet. The more families we can help, the more children who have gifts to open, the happier I am. So, if you can, please join us in spreading love and bringing joy to our youngest community members.”

Toys can be brought to Assemblyman Colton’s district office, 155 Kings Highway, during office hours: Monday through Wednesday, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Thursday from noon to 8 p.m.; and Friday, from 10 a.m. to noon.

Toys for Tots is an initiative of the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve that began in 1947; in 1991, the Marine Toys for Tots Foundation was started as a 501(C)3 non-profit organization. Since its inception, over 677 million toys have been distributed to 301 million children.