Toys for Tots Westchester Sets Collection Goal of 100,000 Toys

Toys for Tots Westchester has found a new home just in time for the holidays thanks to a donated studio space, saving this year’s toy drive from being shut down.

While many students were off for Veterans Day, a group of local teens spent their morning volunteering at the newly secured site, helping prepare for the upcoming season.

“It feels meaningful to do something for kids who might not otherwise wake up to gifts on Christmas morning,” said volunteer Trevor Simms.

“It makes me happy to support our community—most people don’t get the chance to do this,” added Annalee Reynoso.

The new space will serve as the hub where those recognizable Toys for Tots collection boxes are prepped and sent out to businesses across the county. Later, it’s where thousands of donated toys will be sorted and organized before distribution.

Co-coordinator Harold McKoy Jr. said the program is pushing ahead despite a tough year. “With everything happening—from politics to budget cuts—we’re aiming to do even more.”

The foundation expects to reach roughly 48,000 children this season, but the drive was nearly derailed after its longtime organizer retired this fall, leaving the team without a workspace.

That’s when Yonkers Arts stepped in, offering use of its warehouse studio for the next few months—a lifeline organizers didn’t expect.

“For a county this large, we needed a real space. Many groups do this from their homes, but this scale requires more,” said co-coordinator Patricia Laforey. “I honestly didn’t think we’d find a place like this.”

More than 300 collection boxes have already gone out, and organizers hope to deploy as many as 1,000. Community members can drop off toys or sign up to volunteer at the warehouse on Nepperhan Avenue throughout the season.