East Harlem Filled With Toy Giveaways Ahead Of Holidays

EAST HARLEM, NY — Aiming to wrap up a difficult year on a high note, multiple efforts are underway in East Harlem to provide kids with new toys for the holidays.

Among them is a toy drive that began as two separate campaigns by neighborhood groups before merging into one big charitable effort.

Earlier this week, East Harlem resident Andrew Padilla learned that Lulu and Teddy's Cafe was hosting a toy drive, while the Barrio Fridge was hosting its own in partnership with Cafe Ollin. He put the organizers in touch, and it became a single drive.

Donations will be accepted through 7 p.m. Friday. Toys can be brought to either Ollin (339 East 108th St. between First and Second avenues) or Lulu and Teddy's (2171 2nd Ave. at East 112th Street).

Organizers are asking for new, unwrapped toys. They also accept cash donations on-site or through the Cash App at $Teddysfnb.

The distribution will take place from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday at 256 East 112th St. It will be first come, first served until all toys are gone, and organizers will provide hot drinks and handwarmers to the people lined up.

Seantell Campbell, a co-founder of the Barrio Fridge, said she has about 100 donated toys stored in her apartment, with several hundred more already at the distribution site.

"I’ve been living vicariously through these toys," Campbell said.

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Meanwhile, yet another gift drive recently wrapped up at Union Settlement, where staff opened, sorted and wrapped hundreds of donated gifts on Wednesday. They plan to distribute the presents starting Thursday and Friday to more than 450 children enrolled in its youth programs.

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