Thanks to Community's Generosity, Toy Drive Raises Hundreds of Toys for Cohen Children's Hospital

New York State Senator Jack M. Martins once again held an annual toy drive and the communities in the Seventh Senate District answered with their customary generosity. The willingness to help others captured the spirit of the holidays as hundreds of toys from Senator Martins’ office made their way to Cohen Children’s Hospital Medical to benefit its Creative Arts Therapy Department.

This year, the largest donation came from the Student Service Club at the Center Street School, one of the elementary schools in the Herricks School District. The club gets together on afternoons to plan and get involved in projects to benefit others. The club decided to help out Senator Martins’ toy drive and the students got to work collecting toys. In total, the club collected 250 toys thanks to their selfless dedication, under the leadership of Student Service Club faculty advisor Janine Gentile and school principal Brennen Bierwiler.

"The members of the Student Service Club at the Center Street School are outstanding students who always think of others. They are always willing to help and are benefitting from an excellent education not only when it comes to academics but also when it comes to being well-rounded citizesn," Senator Martins said. "I thank them, their teachers, Mrs. Gentile, Principal Bierwiler and their parents."

Senator Martins visited the school to pick up the toys. He asked the group why they joined the Student Service Club; one student appropriately said, “When I help other people, it makes me feel good.”

Senator Martins’ toy drive also received a big toy donation from the patrons of the Hillside Library, located at 155 Lakeville Road in New Hyde Park. 

Other members of the community donated toys directly at Senator Martins’ district office in Garden City Park. 

Village of Mineola Trustee Dennis Walsh also played a big part, lending his van and helping to deliver the toys to Cohen Children’s Hospital. 

“Once again the residents showed their generosity during this special time of year. I hope these toys put a smile on the face of some children may be going through a difficult time. I thank all who participated for making this drive a success,” Senator Martins said.