New York State Senator Steve Rhoads Hosts Successful Cruise-Through Toy Drive in Hicksville Benefitting Local Children in Need

On Saturday, July 15, Senator Rhoads hosted his Inaugural Cruise-Through Christmas in July Toy Drive at the Hicksville Train Station to benefit local children in need. New York State Senator Steve Rhoads teamed up with Oyster Bay Town Supervisor Joseph Saladino, the Oyster Bay Town Board, Legislator Rose Walker, and Assemblyman Jake Blumencranz in hopes of spreading holiday cheer all throughout the year by collecting toys for the USMC Toys for Tots and King Fights Cancer. Toys for Tots is an organization that specializes in providing less fortunate children with books and toys, and King Fights Cancer is a volunteer based non-profit organization that specializes in supporting families that have a child diagnosed with a life-threatening illness. Community members were able to give back to those in need in a simple and easy way by driving up, dropping off their toy donations, and driving away. Martino Auto Concepts from Glen Gove brought a colorful Ferrari for the community to enjoy and Boy Scout Troop 291 from Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church as well as United States Marines were on hand to help collect the toys. Hundreds of toys were collected and will be donated to children at Cohen's Children Hospital, Ronald McDonald House, NYU Langone, Mercy Hospital, St. Joseph's Hospital, Memorial Sloan Kettering, and other local organizations helping children in need.

Senator Rhoads said, “Our Toy Drive proves that the joy of giving is truly the greatest gift of all. Since toys are needed not only around the holiday time, but all year long I was happy to collaborate with my colleagues in government to help harness our community’s holiday generosity and cheer to make a positive impact in lives of countless children and families going through tough times. It was incredible to see the kindness of the community in action and I am so thankful to everyone who donated to these two wonderful organizations dedicated to spreading joy and happiness, and putting smiles on children’s faces.”

Town of Oyster Bay Supervisor Saladino said, “The holiday spirit of kindness and generosity came alive during Senator Rhoads’s ‘Christmas in July’ Cruise Thru Toy Drive. We are so grateful to all of the residents who opened their hearts and wallets to support children in need through amazing organizations like USMC Toys for Tots and King Fights Cancer. By making a donation, you’ve directly put a smile on the face of a child in need.”

Legislator Rose Walker said, “I was happy to join with NYS Senator Steve Rhodes, NYS Assemblyman Jake Blumencranz, Town of Oyster Bay Supervisor Saladino, and the TOB Town Board to sponsor a Christmas in July Toy Drive. Thanks to the generosity of so many residents, we collected many toys to be given to the USMC Toys for Tots and King Fights Cancer.  These toys will brighten the faces of many young children in need and those in hospitals.”

Assemblyman Blumencranz said, “I was more than thrilled with the turnout at The Christmas in July Toy Drive. I want to thank Senator Rhoads and the incredible co-sponsors, including the organization King Fights Cancer and the dedicated team at USMC Toys for Tots for making it all possible. The community’s support and commitment made this event truly special, creating cherished memories and spreading joy to those who needed it most.”