Thousands of At-Risk Kids Enjoy the Magic of the Holidays through Leake & Watts’ Toy Drive

“Dear Santa: For the holidays, I would like the Monster High Djinni Wisp Grant Doll. Can my brother Ethan have a fire truck? He is 1 year old. Thank you Santa.” That wishful request was made by Ofelia, a 3rd grader in Leake & Watts’ foster care program, who likes to color and help take care of her baby brother. She does well in school, enjoys writing, and likes to play with her dolls.

Children like Ofelia who are in foster care, early childhood, or specialized education programs face unique challenges as many of their families live in poverty, struggle with unemployment, substance abuse, domestic violence, or housing insecurity. During the holidays, these life challenges make it nearly impossible for these families and children to experience the holidays as others would.

Leake & Watts strives to give these children the holidays they deserve by organizing an annual toy drive for the thousands of children whose lives are touched by their services. The goal: to let children be children during this very special time of year.

“The challenges in these children’s lives become magnified during the holidays,” says Alan Mucatel executive director at Leake & Watts. “Something as simple as receiving a gift they can enjoy means so much. When our volunteers see the children’s delight and joy as they open up a package that’s just for them, it’s truly a rewarding experience.”

According to Catherine Forbes, Senior Executive Assistant at Ernst & Young LLP, a professional services firm that supports the Leake & Watts Seabury Day Care Program by mobilizing volunteers and donating toys, “Everyone wants to join in somehow, because we can see the impact that it has on the kids. We have about 125 people who participate now, including several former employees who still want to be involved. Some people go out and buy the gifts, while others help wrap them and deliver them to the kids at Seabury.”

Thanks to the generous contributions of many individuals and the help of over 30 corporations and civic organizations, Leake & Watts distributes over 3,500 toys and gift cards to the children, teens, and young adults in its various programs. Donations to all of its programs, including gift cards for teens and young adults, are accepted throughout the holiday season and into the New Year.

Donations can be made by contacting the Leake & Watts Development Office at development@leakeandwatts.org or by calling 914.375.8605. In addition, donors can view the Leake & Watts Wish List and make donations via Amazon.