Thanks to generous donations from readers, Metro was able to deliver hundreds of toys to underprivileged children in Boston, Philadelphia and New York City just in time for the holidays.
Metro’s annual toy drive, Tony’s Metro Magic, wrapped up earlier this month, marking the end of the drive’s eighth year. The Coalition For The Homeless in New York City was working to distribute the toys to children last week.
“It’s been hectic, but a really good kind of hectic,” said Bev McEntarfer, Camp Director at the Coalition for Homeless, as she collected toys from Metro staffers at the organization’s Fulton Street location. Inside their distribution center, workers were busily sorting through thousands of toys.
In Philly, gifts from Tony’s Metro Magic were distributed on Dec. 16 to more than 50 children and families from all over the cities through the Institute for the Development of African American Youth (IDAAY), which offers programs like that range from Intensive In-home Supervision and Out of School Time to College Bound, Young Fathers United and Don’t Fall Down in the Hood.
“The smiles on the childrens’ face is enough of a reward,” said S. Archye Leacock, founder/executive director. “These children come from families where they may not always have enough, and without generous donations from Metro’s readers, we wouldn’t be able share these gifts with them. Thank you!”
Boston’s charity organization, Heading Home got their Metro Magic toys on Dec. 13. Both organizations then sorted through the toys and distributed them to local kids.
Metro intends to keep Tony’s Metro Magic holiday toy drive going for years to come.
“We sincerely thank our readers for supporting the kids in their community,” said Metro Managing Editor Morgan Rousseau. “It was heartwarming to see the toys pile up in our office, and it brought our staff so much joy to help get them out to children in need. We hope it brought a touch of sunshine to their holiday season.”
