As the #2019NewYear approaches we reflect back on the month with fond memories. We may have gained a few pounds with all of the holiday sweets, but to say this December was memorable would be an understatement. Whether it was the holiday parties, ugly sweater contests, or one of the many wonderful events hosted throughout Hartford there was always something to do. Though many amazing activities took place, we would like to shine the spotlight on the 2018 Holiday Toy Giveaway hosted at City Hall on Sunday December 16th.
This was no ordinary toy drive and its success wasn’t just in the number of partners that came together to make it happen but also in the sheer volume of families that were served. Each year the Hartford Police Department, Hartford Fire Department, and Urban League of Greater Hartford host a toy drive, gathering as many donations as possible then distributing those gifts to all of the kiddos in their neighborhoods. Though these events have brought cheer to so many in the past, this year the goal was to increase their impact two-fold.
Janice Castle, the Director of the Office of Community Engagement and President of the Urban League Young Professionals, decided that this year it would be a good idea to bring all of these wonderful organizations together to really make an impact. By also partnering with Strive, Hartford Guardians, and AFSCME local 1716 they were able to collect over 3,000 toys for ages 1-17. The day of the event saw families stretching from the newly opened Re-entry center at City Hall and along the UConn campus to the museum. In order to receive the gifts, families needed to live in Hartford with valid photo id and have their children present. This would ensure that all Hartford families were able to receive toys.
Registration took place on the ground floor of the capital. On the first floor you could find partner organizations with resources and representatives ready to answer questions as well as a Police/Fire Department Santa. On the second floor two rooms were set up to look like Santa’s toy stores. Though we weren’t able to get the super soakers we had hoped for, we are happy to report that the children were satisfied with their gifts. From bicycles to play sets to electronics there really was something for everyone. After choosing their desired toys families made their way to the first floor where they posed with Santa, who just happened to make a pit stop here in Hartford. The North Pole is quite far from New England, but our families meant that much to him.
Janice Castle, the event organizer, said “All of the toys came from individuals in the community through direct donations. The toy chest in west Hartford and gifts that were collected through in person donations.” When asked about the need for the event she had this to say, “So many families were going to so many different events, we were happy to consolidate efforts to bring more gifts to more families in a more streamlined way.” It is safe to say that goal was met.
Thanks to the hard work of over 50 volunteers including the department’s young cadets, the Urban League young professionals, and city employees, just to name a few, over 2,000 toys had been distributed between 10:00am and 4:00pm. Left over toys were also taken to various public schools around Hartford and given to organizations like Catholic Charities at the new #EnvisionCenter at Parker Memorial for distribution. And of course, we couldn’t wrap up this article without giving a special shout out to Dunkin Donuts for donating such an awesome breakfast for volunteers. With such a successful outcome, it is the goal of organizers to make this an annual event. It has been a great year and though we are sad to say goodbye to 2018, we are looking forward to an awesome 2019!
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