The Grinch paid an unwelcome visit to the district office of Assemblyman William Colton (D—Gravesend, Bensonhurst, Bath Beach and Dyker Heights), making off with whatever toys had been left in the Toys for Tots box in the office’s anteroom.

The theft at the 155 Kings Highway office likely occurred on Thursday, December 11, just days before the box was scheduled to be picked up for distribution to children in need.

“It’s so frustrating,” said Assemblyman Colton. “Generous people have been leaving these toys so that children whose parents might not be able to afford to buy presents could enjoy some holiday magic. Now, with just a short time to go before the toys are to be picked up to be given out, we are starting over again, hoping to collect as many toys as possible so that children who would receive them will not be disappointed.”

The box had been left in the anteroom to make it convenient for donors to run in and drop their contributions inside. Following the theft, the box was moved into the main office space, where staffers can keep an eye on it.

For those who want to help fill the box, toys can be brought to Assemblyman Colton’s district office 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. The last day to drop off toys is December 19.

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.