Metro recently wrapped up its 10th annual Tony’s Metro Magic toy drive, which collected hundreds of items for local children this 2019 holiday season.
Each year, Metro calls on its readers to choose items from a wish list to be shipped to charities in New York City, Philadelphia, and Boston. Perhaps not surprisingly, the most popular toys readers selected include dolls from the ever-popular Disney hit, “Frozen.” But among the donations was the gift of warmth, as several readers opted to buy children some much-needed winter coats, as well as towels.
Although the Metro Magic toy drive has come to a close, the local charities we partnered with are always seeking help. If readers choose, they can check out these organizations’ throughout the year by visiting their websites to see how they can assist families in their community.
Those interested in helping Metro’s New York partner, Coalition For The Homeless, which offers a variety of programs in food and housing assistance, job training, and more, can visit www.coalitionforthehomeless.org. In Boston, we partner with Heading Home Inc, the city’s leading provider of emergency shelter, transitional, and permanent housing for low-income families and individuals. Visit www.headinghomeinc.org to learn more.
And finally, our Philadelphia partner, Institute for the Development of African-American Youth (IDAAY), which empowers at-risk youths to succeed, can be contacted by visiting idaay.org.
“The magic and the joy that toy donations bring to our families in need here at Heading Home during such a critical time of year is indescribable,” Martha Buckley, Director of Development for Heading Home, told Metro. “Each year we support over 700 children in our shelter programs and the ability to provide each of them with the dignity of special, new holiday gifts is a reminder to them and their families that there is a community of people around them who see them and who care. The lasting impact of your generosity extends far beyond the holiday season and brings so much joy to local families in need. Heading Home sincerely thanks all of you for the many years of support each holiday season!”
