Lilliana, 2, opened one of the presents donated by a Metro reader during the annual Tony’s Metro Magic toy drive.
Credit: Nicolaus Czarnecki, Metro
They were a bit shy, but they didn’t have to say anything. Their smiles said it all.
Lilliana and Za’Khai, both 2, smiled as they recently tore off the wrapping paper on their presents donated by Metro readers for Tony’s Metro Magic holiday drive.
“Wow!” exclaimed Lilliana as she unwrapped a “Sammy the Snail” toy.
Metro readers donated hundreds of toys to Tony’s Metro Magic this year so that families in need could enjoy a magical Christmas and holiday season.
Lilliana, Za’Khai, and Kaira, 1, were just three of the scores of children that recently experienced the joy of Christmas and received gifts donated by Metro readers. The children and their mothers live in a shelter in Greater Boston.
“We are so grateful,” said Lilliana’s mother Vanessa. “It’s hard, but at the same time you want to keep up the spirit of Christmas. It’s a struggle between what they want and what they need and what we can afford. We’re just very grateful.”
For months, the hundreds of toys purchased by readers arrived at Metro’s office. Dozens of boxes were overflowing with toys when Boston-based homeless services agency Heading Home and Greater Boston Toys for Tots came to pick up the gifts.
“On behalf of the 3,000 homeless families and individuals served by Heading Home, thank you to all of the Metro Magic supporters for their generosity,” said Tom Lorello, Heading Home’s executive director. “The toys received granted wishes and provided all family members with a real boost during an already tough time. Words cannot describe the joy on our clients’ faces as they received their gifts. Thanks again for the outpouring of support this holiday season.”
Tony’s Metro Magic was named in honor of our Editor-in-Chief Tony Metcalf who died earlier this year and for years oversaw his favorite Metro initiative – the Metro Magic campaign.
Follow Michael Naughton on Twitter @metrobosmike.
