Glen Cove Toys For Tots Event to Support VetDogs

On Sunday, December 4 from 8:30 – 10:00 a.m., Glen Cove’s Downtown will be a holiday wonderland. Santa will take time from his very busy schedule to thank everyone who donates unwrapped toys and the volunteers who will be filling trucks with countless donated toys.

Every year, the U.S. Marine Corp Reserves Toys For Toys program organizes this and other community toy collections across Long Island. But, there are two additional features that make Glen Cove’s event extra special. One is that there will be dozens of high performance cars on hand for attendees to preview before adding one to their holiday wish lists.

Another is that, for the first time, this year’s event is also supporting America’s VetDogs. This important organization specially trains assistance dogs and places them with veterans, active-duty service members and first responders with disabilities. These dogs help these American heroes to become more mobile and self-reliant. It costs over $50,000 to breed, raise, train and place one assistance dog. America’s VetDogs, a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit, provides its services completely free of charge.

“The U.S. Marines Toys For Tots program is such a great event that embodies everything the holiday season is all about,” Nassau County Legislator Delia DeRiggi-Whitton said. “Including education about and donations to America’s VetDogs makes the event so heartwarming in that it supports children and veterans, two causes that are very near and dear to me.”

“The Toys For Tots toy drive keeps getting bigger and better each year,” Event committee member Joe LaPadula added. “With the addition of the VetDogs fundraiser this year, the event is exactly what holiday spirit is all about."

Please bring a new, unwrapped toy to Glen Cove’s Downtown the morning of the event on December 4 (between 8:30 and 10:00am) or to one of many drop-off locations by December 2. Visit toysfortots.org and click on “Donate a Toy” for details. And, be sure to stop by the America’s VetDogs table while at the event to make a donation. Visit https://fundraising.vetdogs.org to learn more about VetDogs.

(Photo credits: Tony Gallego of Gill Associates)

(toys12152) Santa shows off his new (albeit borrowed) ride while Leg. DeRiggi-Whitton and U.S. Marine Reserve volunteers guard the donated toys during last year’s event.

(totstotsmeeting) Event organizers discuss plans for this year’s event.