Dec. 21, 2023 By Iryna Shkurhan
Thousands of toys were donated to military families residing in Fort Totten in Bayside during a holiday season where the majority of soldiers at the base have been deployed.
The toys were collected through State Sen. John Liu’s office, Operation Child Rescue, and various Champions Martial Arts Schools across Brooklyn, Queens and Long Island. Local residents dropped various toys at these locations throughout the month of December that were then distributed to the families.
The military personnel on the base are part of the U.S Army’s 77th Sustainment Brigade.
The toys were collected at various locations throughout December. Photo courtesy of State Senator John Liu
“Many thanks to all who chipped in this year to brighten the spirits of children in our community,” Liu, who represents Northeast Queens, said. “Many of our local military families stationed at Fort Totten have family members deployed overseas and are unable to spend the holidays together, so we are grateful for this tremendous outpouring of support for our hometown heroes!”
Operation CR Inc. is a nonprofit organization founded in 2018 that seeks to combat child hunger and food insecurity around the world. The non-profit has partnered with Liu’s toy drive for the past five years.
“I want to thank all the Champions Martial Arts schools for participating in this year’s toy drive,” said Michael Ro, head master of Flushing Champions Martial Arts “We are especially grateful to everyone who donated toys so the families of our military men and women can have a joyful holiday season.”
Champions Martial Arts has 74 locations in the tri-state area with 12 located in Queens.