On Monday, December 16, and Friday, December 20, Council Member Julie Won, community partners, and volunteers distributed over 750 toys to children Queensbridge Houses, Ravenswood Houses, and Woodside Houses at three toy giveaways, as well as neighbors throughout District 26 during the Council Member’s office toy giveaway on Monday, December 23. Council Member Won provided $25,000 in funding for toys to New York Irish Center and Woodside on the Move, and an additional $25,000 to Little Essentials, part of which includes funding to purchase toys for holiday giveaways. Plaxall also donated toys for this year’s giveaways.
“We’re excited to once again provide over 750 toys to children in public housing and throughout the community. The holidays can be a source of stress for many families, and we wanted to ensure that we could help make the season a special one for our neighbors,” said Council Member Julie Won. “Thank you to our partners at Queensbridge, Ravenswood, and Woodside Houses, Riis Settlement, New York Irish Center, Woodside on the Move, Little Essentials, Plaxall, Rethink Foods and Queens Together for the generous food donations.”
“It was amazing to see the smiling faces of children who live at Woodside Houses at our toy distribution in partnership with Council Member Won,” said Nan McKie and Tammy Reyes, President and Acting President, Woodside Houses Residents Association. “In addition to providing toys, Council Member Won always makes sure she’s there for residents to celebrate our successes and be advocates for us in difficult situations. Thank you to Council Member Won, Sunnyside Community Services, and all of the volunteers for making sure that the holidays are a special time for our families and children.”
“The holiday season brings families and friends together for quality time and presents. Our toy giveaway with Council Member Won makes sure that Queensbridge Houses children will be able to experience the joy that this time of year brings,” said Corinne Haynes, President, NYCHA Queensbridge Houses Residents Association. “All year long, the Council Member shows up for Queensbridge residents, whether it’s making sure our students get backpacks for the school year or our families get turkeys for Thanksgiving. Thank you to Council Member Won, Jacob A. Riis Settlement, and all of our community partners for prioritizing Queensbridge Houses residents and making this toy giveaway possible!”
“We are so excited to partner with Council Member Won to bring back our toy giveaway for Ravenswood children this year. This giveaway is one of our favorite traditions that makes this a special time for every single child,” said Carol Wilkins, President, NYCHA Ravenswood Houses Resident Association. “Thank you to the Council Member, Jacob A. Riis Settlement, and local organizations for putting our community first. We look forward to continuing this work with the Council Member to continue improving Ravenswood for all of the residents.”
“Riis Settlement is proud to partner with Council Member Julie Won, the New York Irish Center, and the Queensbridge and Ravenswood Residents Associations to provide toys and holiday cheer to the children and families in our community. This can be a challenging time of year for many despite the lights and decorations and we are grateful to Council Member Won and our community partners for bringing a little extra joy to our youngest neighbors,” said Christopher Hanway, Executive Director, Jacob A. Riis Neighborhood Settlement.
“A highlight of this holiday season for New York Irish Center has been working in partnership with NY City Council Member Julie Won and her exceptional team. Our annual Toy Drive continues to expand as we bring even more support to families across our neighborhoods. Throughout the year our other partner drives include a coat drink and back-to-school backpack appeal. Serving our neighborhoods at this time is a top priority,” said George Heslin, Executive Director, New York Irish Center.
