2,000+ Toys Donated Thanks To Barnegat's 'Elfie's House'

BARNEGAT, NJ — 2022 was Elfie's House's first year in operation, and resident Dawn Castronuovo was able to smash her original goal of donating 100 toys - she ended up collecting 1,210. And that number only grew bigger in 2023.

The total collection this year, thanks to the former struggling single mom and a generous community, was 2,030 toys.

Read more: 1,200 Toys Donated By Former Struggling Single Mom From Barnegat

"Thank you so much to everyone that made this happen, our final number is more than I could’ve ever dreamed of because of YOU!" Castronuovo shared on the Elfie's House Facebook page at the completion of the collection drive.

As a single mom raising four children, she remembered how the community would come together and help her family each holiday season. Castronuovo chose to start Elfie's House as a way to give back, now that her children are grown.

Elfie's House increased their presence this holiday season, with 26 drop-off locations not only in Barnegat and Manahawkin, but in Ship Bottom, Lacey, West Creek and Waretown as well. Castronuovo actually had to turn down locations, because she handles most of the drive herself.

"We are so grateful for our village," Castronuovo wrote.

Check out Elfie's House on Facebook for more information.