Dem Toy Drive Shatters Previous Records

The Community First Toy Drive, organized by Councilman Lew Fidler, the 41st A.D. Democrats Club and Bryan Lee – took in a mindboggling 7,790 toys this year, rocketing past last year’s record by nearly 2,000 additional toys.

The number, which brings their overall tally of 30,000 toys over ten years, secured their place as the city’s highest-collecting Toys for Tots chapter for a fifth straight year.

“Just imagine all those kids whose lives we’re going to impact this holiday season, who are going to know we care,” said Fidler.

With Toys for Tots – a 63-year-old drive organized by the U.S. Marine Corps Reserves – expecting to collect far fewer toys this year than in previous years, they’re estimating that the Community First Toy Drive will be responsible for approximately one of out every 32 toys delivered to underprivileged children throughout the city.

Byran Lee, a top-aide to Councilman Fidler, founded the local chapter of the toy drive. In writing to Sheepshead Bites, he thanked all of our readers who contributed, including one – Alex T. – who brought three large boxes brimming with gifts.