Toys for Tots event brings gaiety (and Santa) to neighborhood children

December 15, 2023 Wayne Daren Schneiderman

Alex Zhorov, president of Be Proud Inc. (left), along with Be Proud volunteers Barbara Oterin, age 9, and Andrew Contrino at Toys for Tots event. Photos: Wayne Daren Schneiderman/Brooklyn Eagle

Alex Zhorov, president of Be Proud Inc. (left), along with Be Proud volunteers Barbara Oterin, age 9, and Andrew Contrino.
Photos: Wayne Daren Schneiderman/Brooklyn Eagle

Full slideshow below

Hundreds of toys were donated at Be Proud’s 15th annual Toys for Tots toy drive.

SHEEPSHEAD BAY — The joy that emanated from the youngsters at Be Proud Inc.’s 15th annual Toys for Tots event on Monday evening was as contagious as the common cold — but much more coveted.

The gathering, which brought in hundreds of toys and even featured a special guest appearance by Santa himself, was held at Level Restaurant on Coney Island Avenue in tandem with the 41st Assembly District Democrats Club.

The event featured various performances by children and adults alike — and a grand finale appearance by the one and only Kris Kringle, much to the delight of the children in attendance.

“What can be better during the holiday season than putting a smile on a child’s face?” asked Alex Zhorov, president of Be Proud. “We want to bring joy to kids and their families. Most of us grew up receiving toys, and were fortunate enough — and now we want to share that happiness with everybody we can.”

From left: Rasia Chernina, executive director and founder, Be Proud Inc.; and Theresa Scavo, chairperson, Community Board 15.

Be Proud volunteer Barbara Oterin explained that her father saw this event on social media, showed it to her, and she asked if it was possible to volunteer.

“I want to do this because I want to help the kids; this event is very important for kids that can’t have toys,” said Barbara, who is only 9 years old herself. “My family and I brought in five bags of toys today.”

Andrew Contrino, who is an Eagle Scout as well as a Be Proud volunteer, pointed out that he has been giving back to his community ever since he was 6 years old.

“Service to my community has always been a big part of my life,” Contrino said. “It gives me a grounded foundation. And this type of service can impact everyone. Events like this really influence people’s lives.”

Theresa Scavo, chairperson of Community Board 15, who also attended, said, “Today is special because a child will get a toy where a child would normally not get a toy. It gives you a good feeling that these toys are going to underprivileged kids, where there is nothing under their Christmas trees.”

Jennifer Faucher, district leader and state committee member, 41st Assembly District (representing Sheepshead Bay, Flatlands, parts of East Flatbush, Midwood, and Canarsie) at Toys for Tots event. — Jennifer Faucher, district leader and state committee member, 41st Assembly District (representing Sheepshead Bay, Flatlands, parts of East Flatbush, Midwood, and Canarsie).

“I am here because I believe this is a very worthwhile event – and of course it’s about the children,” said Jennifer Faucher, district leader and state committee member for the 41st Assembly District (representing Sheepshead Bay, Flatlands, parts of East Flatbush, Midwood and Canarsie).

“I feel that by getting involved with the Toys for Tots organization, we can make a small difference for a number of families — especially during such hard times when there is also homelessness, people in hospitals, shelters and the like,” Faucher explained.

Toys for Tots is a program run by the United States Marine Corps Reserve, and it distributes toys to children whose parents cannot afford to buy them gifts for Christmas. It was founded in 1947 by reservist Major Bill Hendricks. The year 2022 was a record-breaking one, as “Toys” distributed an unprecedented 24.4 million toys, books and games to 9.9 million disadvantaged children, with the help of 50,000-plus volunteers.