West Haven Peer Advocates Giving Out Toys Collected By Park-Rec

WEST HAVEN, CT — (Pictured): City recreation program coordinator Diane Dietman, third from back left, and West Haven High School peer advocates flank a box of toys at the Department of Parks and Recreation on Monday.

The toys were donated to the department’s “Christmas in July” toy drive, which was co-sponsored by the Connecticut Recreation & Parks Association and Christmas Wish CT, a charity committed to sharing the spirit of Christmas year-round.

Park-Rec collected more than 1,000 new, unwrapped toys in July and early August at its Painter Park office, swimming pool venues, and camp and playground programs. The department has given a portion of the collected toys to Christmas toy drives being held by the West Haven High Peer Advocacy Program and West Haven Professional Fire Fighters Local 1198 for those in need.

Residents wishing to receive toys for city children 12 and younger who are under their guardianship must fill out a registration form here. Proof of residence is required for registration, which ends Dec. 13.

To make an online donation to the peer advocates’ Toys for Joy campaign, visit here.