Businesses, Residents Donate More Than 2,000 Gifts to 'Operation Sandy Toy Drop'

Stephen Reid's mother lost everything when her house in Long Island flooded because of Hurricane Sandy, the violent storm that struck the area hard. Seeing the devastation and knowing how it affected people's lives, the retired New York Police Department officer and Yorktown resident wanted to give back.

"I've always wanted to do the right thing," said Reid, who organized a toy drive to help children in Sandy struck communities. 

Reid, along with various local businesses, organized a program called "Operation Sandy Toy Drop" two weeks ago and have since collected more than 2,000 toys. The toys, which continue to come in, will be distributed this weekend (Dec. 15 and Dec. 16) in Long Beach, Long Island; and Breezy Point, Queens.

In addition to toys, from legos to hot wheels, games and puzzles, Reid was able to collect stockings and wrapping paper, as well as toothbrushes and toothpaste. 

Businesses who participated in "Operation Sandy Toy Drop" included: Gymnastics City (Cortlandt Manor), Dr. Benjamin Dancygier of Valley Pediatric Dentistry (Jefferson Valley), Seth and Nicole Porter from Rescue Stuff (Peekskill), IK Jo Kang Tae Kwon Do (Shrub Oak), JV Bagels II (Shrub Oak), Mick Metal of Revolution Tattoo Company (Pearl River), Starstruck Dance Studio (Mohegan Lake) and The Westchester Warriors Lacrosse Club (South Salem).

Cub Scout Pack 38 Den 3, wrapped all of the collected gifts at Valley Towing & Transporting in Yorktown on Dec. 8. That day, Mohegan Volunteer Fire Department members stopped by with Santa Claus to give out candy canes to the children.

Reid said he can't take credit for everything because he didn't buy all of the toys – it was all done with the help of people from the community, something he calls "overwhelming" and "inspiring."

The man was also able to collect handwritten notes local students had written and said that "every little bit helps" – even if it's a $1 toy donated. 

Anyone interested in making a toy donation for "Operation Sandy Toy Drop" before volunteers make the trip on Dec. 15 and Dec. 16, can drop off donations at the above mentioned businesses.

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