Get A Free Picture With Santa In Bed-Stuy When You Donate A Toy

BED-STUY, BROOKLYN — A toy drive to help underprivileged kids throughout New York City is coming to the "Winter Wonderland" in Bed-Stuy.

The Bed-Stuy Gateway Business Improvement District, which set up a holiday market at Marcy Plaza last week, have partnered with the Vulcan Society to host a toy drive at the market's Santa Village Station, the organization announced.

The drive will let anyone who brings a toy to the Winter Wonderland take a free picture with Mr. and Mrs. Claus, who are in a contactless, sanitized holiday studio set up by ModernMD as part of the Winter Wonderland's coronavirus precautions.

The drive will start on Sunday and run from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. every weekend through Dec. 20.

The Winter Wonderland kicked off last Saturday as part of a project by the Van Alen Institute and Urban Design Forum to help New York City neighborhoods with their pandemic recovery.

“The pandemic has presented many challenges and obstacles for our local merchants,” Bed-Stuy Gateway BID’s Interim Executive Lynette Battle said. “These outdoor experiences provides an opportunity for them to present their goods in services in a safe, festive environment.”

The market also includes a gift-wrapping station and the opportunity for shoppers to visit BID merchants while social distancing.

Marcy Plaza is found off of Fulton Street across from Restoration Plaza.