Toys for ages newborn to 18 were distributed to approximately 200 children

State Senator Christopher J. Ryan (SD-50) today held a Holiday Toy Distribution event in partnership with Toys for Tots at the East Syracuse Fire Department, 204 N. Center St., distributing over 600 toys and books to families in need across District 50. The distribution event culminated after two weeks of collections across Senate District 50, including collection events at two Syracuse University Women’s Basketball games on December 3 and 10 at the JMA Wireless Dome. 

70 families visited the Fire Department to pick up toys for gifting this holiday season. Families were able to pick out two toys and a book per child. Families were also able to get their toys wrapped, enjoy cookies and hot chocolate, and get pictures with a fire engine, local Marine Corps members and SU Women’s basketball team players. Toys remaining at the end of the event were donated to Syracuse Refugee and Immigrant Self-Empowerment (RISE) and back to Toys for Tots. 

Senator Ryan said, “During the holiday season, no child should go without the joy and comfort that comes with feeling remembered and supported. This toy drive was about neighbors helping neighbors and coming together to lift families, bring smiles to kids’ faces, and remind one another what this season is truly about. I’m grateful to Toys for Tots, the Village of East Syracuse, the East Syracuse Fire Department, our local Marines, Syracuse University student-athletes, and every community partner and resident who donated a toy or their time to make this day possible.”

United States Marine Corps Staff Sergeant and Onondaga Toys for Tots Coordinator Ryan DesJardins said, “The United States Marine Corps and Marine Corps Reserves has been conducting a yearly collection and giveaway since 1947. Our mission for Toys for Tots is to provide every child with a toy during the holiday season, collecting for all age groups from newborn to 18 years old. Our goal this season in Onondaga County was to collect more than 20,000 toys, reach as many families as we can and get involved in the community. Events like these help us to reach that goal. I love being involved in this community and our staff works incredibly hard. We received a ton of community support with over 176 drop box locations this year. We have conducted 22 events, today being our 23rd for the season, with five more to go. We’re grateful to have built a new partnership this year with Senator Ryan’s team, and the connection he was able to provide with the SU Women’s Basketball team, and the JMA Wireless Dome staff.” 

Village of East Syracuse Mayor Lorene Dadey said, “We are honored and thrilled to have this event in the Village of East Syracuse. Our community really needs this support. Everyone we’ve worked with on this event has been wonderful, and I’m grateful to our Fire Department who stood up to make this event a success in our village. I’m grateful for the opportunity to work with Senator Ryan and his team to provide this great event for our community.” 

East Syracuse Fire Department Firefighter and Public Information Officer Tyler McTomany said, “The East Syracuse Fire Department is always ready and eager to help our local community. This event allows us to engage with the community we serve. Our members are neighbors helping neighbors and that is what this event is all about.“

Collection boxes were placed at community spaces and businesses across Senate District 50, including:

• East Syracuse Village Hall - 204 N. Center St., East Syracuse, NY

• Syracuse Hancock International Airport - 1000 Col. Eileen Collins Blvd., Syracuse, NY 

• Gorham Brothers Music - 712 W Manlius St., East Syracuse, NY 

• Pacale’s Wine and Liquors - 7401 Oswego Rd., Liverpool, NY

• Onondaga County Water Authority - 200 Northern Concourse, Syracuse, NY 

• Northern Onondaga Public Library, North Syracuse Branch - 100 Trolley Barn Ln., North Syracuse, NY 

• East Syracuse Public Library - 4990 James St., East Syracuse, NY

• Community Library of Jamesville & DeWitt - 5110 Jamesville Rd., Jamesville, NY

• Liverpool Public Library - 310 Tulip St., Liverpool, NY

• Manlius Public Library - 1 Arkie Albanese Ave., Manlius, NY

• Maxwell Memorial Library - 14 W. Genesee St., Camillus, NY

• Salina Free Library - 100 Belmont St., Mattydale, NY

• Solvay Public Library - 615 Woods Rd., Solvay, NY

For more information about Toys for Tots, visit the Syracuse website.