HeartShare toy drive generates truck load of donations

Organization also seeking gifts for adults

December 15, 2016 By Paula Katinas Brooklyn Daily Eagle

The Heartfelt Foundation donated a truck load of toys to the HeartShare Annual Toy and Gift Drive on Dec. 10. The foundation is led by Danny and Fran Maniscalco. Photo courtesy of HeartShare Human Services of New York

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Brooklyn residents looking to make the Christmas season brighter for children from low-income families now have a place to display their generosity. HeartShare Human Services of New York, the nonprofit agency that helps the needy and the developmentally disabled, is conducting its annual Toy and Gift Drive.

HeartShare started picking up donations on Dec.12, but officials said there is still time to make a contribution.

“We are fortunate to have the ongoing support of community organizations and individuals, who give an extraordinary number of gifts each year. However, the need always is great,” said Danielle Maurice, HeartShare’s director of special events.

The toy drive got a big boost on Dec. 10 when the Heartfelt Foundation, led by Danny and Fran Maniscalco, donated a truck load of toys to the effort.

HeartShare Human Services of New York, which is headquartered at 12 MetroTech Center in Downtown Brooklyn, serves more than 36,000 children, adults and families throughout New York City.

During this year’s toy drive, HeartShare has received tons of toys, stuffed animals and games for children from generous Brooklynites. Officials said, however, that they are now seeking presents for its adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Some examples of suitable gifts include warm clothing, purses and wallets, CD and DVDs, perfume or cologne, adult board games and gift cards.

“Some of our program participants struggled a lot this year. There was a fire at one our group homes and the women with intellectual and developmental disabilities living there lost everything they own,” Maurice said.

Toys and gifts should be new and unwrapped. Used clothing is not acceptable.

Founded in 1914, HeartShare Human Services of New York operates more than 100 program sites in Brooklyn, Queens and Staten Island. The organization is accredited by the Council on Accreditation of Services for Families and Children and is a Better Business Bureau Accredited Charity.

It offers educational programs, life skills and vocational training to clients, as well as residential services, case management, recreational activities, family support and health care. HeartShare’s affiliates include The HeartShare School, which offers quality education and therapies to children with autism, HeartShare Wellness, which provides health services to people with developmental disabilities and case management to those with chronic conditions and HeartShare St. Vincent’s Services (HSVS), which supports children, adults and families living in crisis due to poverty.

For more information on the Toy and Gift Drive, call 718-422-3213 or email [email protected].