Catholic Charities, TD Bank bring Santa’s Toy Shop to parishes around diocese

December 20, 2024 Brooklyn Eagle Staff

Helper Elves circulated throughout Saint Vincent Ferrer Church helping parents through the Toy Shop. Photo courtesy Catholic Charities Brooklyn and Queens.

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EAST FLATBUSH — SANTA’S TOY SHOP MADE a VISIT to an East Flatbush parish last week, and to a church in East Elmhurst, Queens, on Dec. 19. Catholic Charities Brooklyn and Queens brought the first of these Santa’s Toy Shops to Saint Vincent Ferrer Roman Catholic Church, on E. 37th St. in East Flatbush, as well as St. Gabriel’s Church in East Elmhurst.

During each event, parents and caregivers had the unique opportunity to choose age-appropriate gifts for their children from the shop’s extensive selection of toys. Volunteers dressed as elves were available to assist families in selecting the perfect gifts.

Volunteers from TD Bank lent a helping hand and provided lunch for staff and volunteers on Dec. 12, and helped out again on Dec. 19. Photo courtesy Catholic Charities Brooklyn and Queens.

These Toy Shops were part of holiday outreach from Catholic Charities Brooklyn and Queens, which for 14 years has committed to distributing toys to families in need. This year, the social service agency continued to face significant demand in local communities, with appointment slots for toy pick-ups filled to capacity, and many walk-ins welcomed as well.

“For many children, this is the only gift that will be under their tree this year. And we’ve had parents crying to be able to provide at least a gift for their child,” said Debbie Hampson, Senior Director of Community Outreach Services at Catholic Charities Brooklyn and Queens.