A toy drive organized by the Trana Relief Association, a nonprofit supporting Ukrainian arrivals in New York and New Jersey, is collecting new, unwrapped toys to bring holiday cheer to children displaced by the war in Ukraine.
The “Toys 4 Children of Ukraine” initiative aims to distribute the donated gifts at holiday parties scheduled this month across Brooklyn, Staten Island and New Jersey.
Donation boxes can be found at several locations in Brighton Beach and Sheepshead Bay, including Assembly Member Michael Novakhov’s office at 1800 Sheepshead Bay Road, the Brighton Beach Library at 16 Brighton 1st Road., and the Ukrainian National Federal Credit Union at 2349 Coney Island Ave.
“Unfortunately, not every parent is in the financial position to buy their children presents for the holidays, and this is especially true for Ukrainian refugees who recently arrived,” said Novakhov. “Please come by with a toy for these kids.”
Brighton Beach and Sheepshead Bay are home to some of the largest Ukrainian populations outside of Eastern Europe.
Donations are encouraged by Dec. 6, with a final collection deadline of Dec. 11.
Local pickup can be arranged for those unable to drop off items by contacting journalist Robert Pearl at pearlknows@yahoo.com. Additional details about the drive and how to support the cause are available at tranarelief.org.
Additional reporting by Robert Pearl
