Westchester’s Toys for Tots in need of drop off locations and storage warehouse

Westchester County's Toys for Tots is in need of a warehouse to store and distribute donations ahead of the holiday season.
Title Boxing Club in Ardsley has been a longtime collection point, a place that keeps boxes where people can donate. But more locations are needed this year.
"Based on past history, the need always seems to get greater. I have not seen it go down," says Toys for Tots coordinator Steve Topilnycky.
During the pandemic, the need for Toys for Tots was greater than ever before.
"Last year, especially with COVID, so many people were out of work and unable to make it through. Toys for Tots provided toys for those children in need so they could have the joy of Christmas," Topilnycky says.
Last year, Westchester Toys for Tots lost more than half their collection points because of businesses closures. Now this year they only have six collection points, and they need about 300.
A second problem the organization is facing is that they need a warehouse to consolidate and distribute the toys they collect, and they have a week to find one.
"We're in big trouble. We can't conduct an operation without a place to work out of. There's just too much toys that pass through our hands that we would have to process that we can't do without a space to work out of," Topilnycky says.
Last year, the organization gave toys to nearly 25,000 local kids in need, so the organization is anticipating a greater demand this year. Because of these two issues, they're asking the community for help.
Business that are willing to have a collection box are urged contact Toys for Tots soon.
Those who want to donate a toy have until Dec. 15 to drop it off.
The highest need for is for infants and teens and clothing is also being accepted as well.
To become a collection point for toy donation drop off, follow this link.
For a list of collection points, click here.