2 Holiday Toy Drives Coming Up In Braintree

BRAINTREE, MA — This Thanksgiving coming and going, families have started turning their anticipation towards Christmas, Hanukkah and the other winter holidays. As Braintree residents buy gifts for their loved ones, it's never too early to think about helping those in need before the holidays, especially those in your own community.

There are two upcoming toy drives in Braintree, both benefiting the local Marge Crispin Center. The Marge Crispin Center already finished their collections for their Thanksgiving baskets, so they are trying to get a jump start on the December holidays. The goal this year is to collect more than 2,000 toys for Braintree families in need.

The first drive is on Dec. 1, the fourth annual "Fill a Cruiser," hosted by the Braintree Police Department and Brewster's ambulance services. The toy, pajama and gift card drive is from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the town hall. Montilio’s Bakery's will provide free hot chocolate and cookies at the drive.

Another opportunity to help those in need comes at the 10th Annual Braintree Christmas Party. The party is at 6 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 5. at the Granite Grille at 703 Granite St. Anyone who donates an unwrapped toy for a child ages 3-12 will get admission. If you donated at the "Fill a Cruiser" event, that will also get you an invite to the party.

Gifts cards for children 13 and older and pajamas for kids of all ages will also be accepted. The Marge Crispin Center provides pajamas to every child that receives help this holiday season.

The holiday party will feature appetizers, a cash cash bar, holiday music provided by Pat Lally of South Shore Entertainment and pictures with Santa Claus.

Town Councilor Sean Powers, who is also one of the drive organizers, said the annual Christmas party started 10 years ago as a way to celebrate the holidays while also being a part of the Christmas giving season.

"The people and Braintree are so generous and have always come through and then some and we know that they will again support these toy drive efforts," Powers said.

Organizers also thanked the Granite Grille for donating the restaurant and food for the event and said other businesses and organizations can get involved if they'd like.

"This party was started as a way to come together and give something back to those in need during the holidays," Mayor-elect and organizer Charles Kokoros said.

If any business or organization would like to become part of the toy and gift card drive they can contact Powers at 781-794-8280 CouncilorPowers@gmail.com or Kokoros at 781-794-8271 ckokoros@verizon.net.