Reaching-Out Community Services Urgently Needs More Toys For Operation Christmas Smiles

This holiday season, teach your kids about the greatest gift of all: helping others who are less fortunate.

There are many children in our neighborhoods whose parents can’t afford to buy them presents. Luckily, a wonderful charity, Reaching-Out Community Services (RCS), has organized one of the largest toy drives in Brooklyn. The toys will be distributed at their “Operation Christmas Smiles” event, which will be attended by 800 economically disadvantaged children.

But this year, RCS fell a little short of their goals.

“We have not had any cooperation from Toys for Tots,” RCS Director Tom Neve said. “We’re all mystified. I’ve reached out to them way before hand, and they’re claiming they don’t have enough toys. We are no longer going to depend on Toys for Tots, people are going to come together and make it happen.”

Here’s how you can help:

DONATE:

Bring toys! Drop them off at RCS (7708 New Utrecht Ave) – but bring them ASAP, so that they can be sorted and wrapped in time for RCS’s annual holiday party this Satuday.

Cash donations are always welcome. The Howard E. Stark Charitable Foundation has announced that it will match all donations up to $2500 that are received between December 15th to 21st to help with the party. That’s potentially $5000 in donations if we all do our part. Here’s where to donate.

SORT:

Several local organizations have held their own toy drives to aid RCS’s efforts, but now RCS needs help sorting toys by age group and gender. Come help out tonight, December 18, from 6pm to 9pm at St. Mary Mother of Jesus Roman Catholic Church (2326 84th Street).

VOLUNTEER:

RCS is hosting two holiday events this year.1. Operation Christmas SmilesOn Saturday, there will be a huge event, including a Walt Disney character show, a magic show, arcade games, face painting, a Santa photo shoot, and more. Volunteers will be needed to dress as elves and other holiday characters, hand out presents, as well as man the arcade, food, and face painting booths. Over 600 children are expected to attend.When: Saturday, December 20, 11am to 4pmWhere: St. Mary Mother of Jesus Roman Catholic Church, 2326 84th Street, near 23rd ave.2. Santa On WheelsA Santa-mobile will drive through low-income communities and bring Santa and gifts to over 200 children. Donations to aid this effort are appreciated.For more information on how you can help, reach out to RCS director Tom Neve at tomneve@rcsprograms.org or call (917)509-9055.