Kiwanis Club of East Meadow gives back with 'Christmas in July' toy drive

This summer, the Kiwanis Club of East Meadow will be collecting toys for their first-ever Christmas in July event. The Toy Drive, which began in late June, and will run all the way through July 31, with all collectings and proceeds going to the Nassau University Medical Center’s pediatrics unit.

The Kiwanis Club is a global organization that aims to change children’s lives in their own communities, through international initiatives. The international organization has participated in more than 1.3 million service projects and raised 390 million dollars for families and communities around the globe.

The inspiration for the event came from the yearly donations that the Kiwanis club makes every holiday season. However, over the course of the year, the hospital finds it harder to continue distributing toys. Donna Goldstein, the chairperson of the event, says this initiative will help to keep the donations flowing year-round.

“I have had several conversations with the people from the hospital and everyone likes to donate during the holidays, and they mentioned that they have to distribute toys sparingly throughout the year so that they avoid running out,” Goldstein said. “But during the summer, we find ourselves with fewer toys, books, and pajamas to give out. So I was like, you know what? This would be a great thing at Christmas in July.”

The Kiwanis Club has set up boxes in four different locations throughout the community for people to drop off items, most recently adding JAG Physical Therapy, at 2555 Hempstead Turnpike, as a drop-off location. Additional locations include the East Meadow Baseball and Softball Association Snack Shack at 30 Merrick Ave., Rosenthal, Curry & Kranz at 1600 Front Street and Coldwell Banker American Homes at 1856 Hemsptead Tunrpike.

The club has also set up an Amazon link, which gives people recommended items to purchase for the drive.

The Kiwanis Club is looking for any and all toys for children ranging from infants to 15-years-old. Donations given in the past include board games, dolls, action figures and books. This year, the hospital is also specifically asking for pajama donations.

“I hope the community is able to rally behind it and donate because, nobody wants to be in the hospital during the summer or at anytime and this is a way of trying to give these children in need a little something to brighten their day,” Goldstein said.

For information on the drive and how to donate, visit the East Meadow Kiwanis Club Facebook page. There, community members can also find a link for the Amazon wishlist.