The stars came out — and so did the toys.
More than 200 people donated almost a thousand toys at the 23rd annual Celebrity Concert Toy Drive at Knights of Columbus Baron De Kalb in Sheepshead Bay on Dec. 14.
The big bash featured an array of artists and an organizer of the event said the prominent performers drew in a colossal crowd — and plenty of toys.
“There were people coming with bags and boxes — we couldn’t keep up with it,” said Steve Barrison, the president of the Bay Improvement Group, which organized the event. “There is no question that there is enough toys.”
The performers included Broadway star Ben Vereen, Vanilla Fudge’s Vince Martell, Elvis impersonator Tommy Bayiokos, and Denver recording artist Peg Pearl. Concertgoers munched on homemade Italian bread, fresh vegetables, donuts, and cookies.
The concert was held to benefit families at a shelter for victims of domestic violence, but Barrison said there were enough toys to donate to a local homeless shelter, the Coney Island Hospital’s pediatrics unit, and the Knights of Columbus’s toy drive.
“That was extra stuff we didn’t anticipate,” he said.
And Barrison said if residents missed the concert but still want to drop off toys for the youngsters, the Bay Improvement Group is always open to donations.
“There is always a need — people can always donate stuff and we’ll deliver it anytime,” he said.
Bay Improvement Group Toy Drive (Knights of Baron De Kalb at 3000 Emmons Ave. between Nostrand Avenue and Haring Street in Sheepshead Bay) Toy drop off every Tuesday through Sunday, noon–8 pm.
