As you know all too well, the holiday season is here, a time of year to be especially mindful of those around us who could use our help. If you’re looking for a way to help brighten the holidays for local kids in need, the Big Brooklyn Holiday Toy Drive is an excellent opportunity. Last year’s event collected over 1,500 toys, and this year’s toy drive is bigger than ever. Sponsored by Brooklyn businesses and organizations, the toy drive is looking for unwrapped toys, stuffed animals, or games appropriate for kids under the age of 15 through December 15. And if you were on the fence for some reason, yes, there’s something in it for you. Namely, free drinks.
Yep, you read that right, free drinks. Since plenty of Brooklyn bars are supporting the toy drive, some of them offering a free drink to patrons who bring a toy donation. This sweet deal is available at a different bar each night of the drive, so check their list of events for details. If you don’t necessarily care about getting free alcohol in return for your donation, drop-off locations for toys can be found a few more places around Brooklyn. The full list of community partners is also on the website.
It all culminates with the Big Brooklyn Holiday Toy Drive Party on December 11 at Verboten, the big shiny new club in Williamsburg. The cover charge is a toy of at least a $20 value or a monetary donation of $25, and from there you’re set for the open bar(!), food, and music from 7pm-10pm. The night also features a raffle with some pretty awesome prizes, including VIP passes to Brooklyn Bowl, a one-year pass to the Top of the Rock, Nets tickets, Super Bowl catering from Red Star in Greenpoint, a one-year pass to ride the East River Ferry, personalized beer tastings, gift certificates from Brooklyn bars and restaurants, and much more.
So give some joy and get some back by getting involved with the Big Brooklyn Holiday Toy Drive. It’s guaranteed to make your heart swell three sizes, at least.