Foxy Family’s 1st Annual Jolly Holiday Toy Giveaway

(left to right – Luna, Tanya Carrion, Miriam Quinn, Santa, one of Santa’s youth helpers, Evelyn Torres, Clarisel Gonzalez and Ana Santana )

The Jolly Holiday Toy Giveaway, hosted by the Foxy Family was held earlier today at Side Street Catering on Blondell Avenue.

The Foxy Family is a not-for-profit organization whose mission is to create unity and empowerment to individuals, families and community, to address issues such as domestic violence, sexual abuse, child abuse and elderly abuse.

During the month of December, a series of toy drives were coordinated with the Bronx Entrepreneurs and Business Network. Over 150 toys were collected. A Foxy Family member’s employer donated another 50 toys, and, just yesterday, Toys for Tots donated 1000 additional toys!

Over 400 children gathered for an afternoon of fun.

They delighted in coloring in jumbo coloring books and decorating Christmas items at the arts and crafts station. All materials were donated by Chaplain Sandra Pabon. Pabon explains “This is how we give back to society, we provide this children with a small token of what Christmas represents”.

Lourdes Gamez, of Confetti Clown, also donated her time and talent. In full costume, she provided free face painting.

Co-founder of Foxy Family, Tanya Carrion, was happy to see so many children present. “I’m active in my community, I know the needs, and this event provides a safe place for kids and family to share Christmas together. It’s our way of giving back to the community”.

Miriam Quinn, also of the Foxy Family, explained “Everyone helped out, Artie Ramos was gracious enough to donate the venue, community organizations helped with toy drives and today, we are happy to have over 1000 toys to distribute to the kids in the community”.

Santa Claus was ushered in by his elves as children sang carols. Their faces lit up when he appeared and they quickly formed a line for gifts.

It is these types of events that bring the community together and meets needs. Hats off to a job well done – the proof was in the smiles of the children.