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December 20, 2018CDTA, United Way Team Up for Final ‘Toys for Tots’ Push as Donations Lag in 2019
The Capital District Transportation Authority (CDTA) and the United Way of the Greater Capital Region have teamed up to collect donations for Toys for Tots of the Capital Region after learning that regional donations were down more than 25 percent compared to past years and short nearly 40,000 presents.
Community members can donate new, unwrapped toys at a new and convenient location – in the overflow parking lot at Crossgates Mall, adjacent to the new Tru by Hilton Hotel off of Western Avenue. Donations will be accepted there on Friday night from 4:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. There will also be drop-off boxes located inside of Crossgates Mall.
Toys for Tots is specifically asking for sports-related gifts geared toward children ages seven and up, as that is the greatest shortage.
“This last-minute push from community leaders like CDTA and the United Way are what the holidays are all about,” said Gunnery Sgt. Albert Roman Jr., the Toys for Tots coordinator for the Capital Region. “It has been inspiring to see the entire region unite to make sure that every child gets to experience the magic on Christmas morning.”
“The holiday season is a time for joy for everyone, and Toys for Tots is central to ensuring that families in need have a joyous Christmas and a happy New Year,” said CDTA CEO Carm Basile. “We are proud to support this important initiative and encourage the entire Capital Region community to join with us in giving back and making this year’s Toys for Tots drive another huge success.”
“The United Way is honored to join with Toys for Tots and help spread holiday cheer to children and families in need,” said Peter Gannon, President and Chief Executive Officer of the United Way of the Greater Capital Region. “With word that donations are down this year, we urge everyone who is able to step up and stop by this additional drop-off location with a gift. Please help us make sure everyone’s days are merry and bright this holiday season.”
“Crossgates and its stores are proud supporters of the Toys for Tots annual campaign,” said Erin Moore, Assistant Marketing Director at Crossgates. One participating tenant, the Disney Store, has gone above and beyond from just holding a location for the toy collection box. The Disney ‘Cast Members’ have been asking every shopper, at check-out, if they would like to donate a $10 toy for a child in need. Customers have been overflowing their collection box daily! “When we heard about this shortage, we knew Crossgates would be able to supply the space to do something big with CDTA and the United Way. Our goal is to make sure every child in the surrounding counties has a safe and merry Christmas. We are so grateful to have so many shoppers that are willing to help turn a family’s holiday around by simply donating a single toy!”
The Capital Region Toys for Tots is collecting donations through Sunday, December 23. The Capital Region Toys for Tots Campaign serves children and families in 14 counties throughout Upstate New York including Albany, Broome, Clinton, Essex, Franklin, Fulton, Hamilton, Montgomery, Rensselaer, Saratoga, Schenectady, Schoharie, Washington and Warren Counties. For more information visit: https://albany-ny.toysfortots.org/
