MARINE PARK — In 2001, the 41st Assembly District Lew Fidler Democrats Club held their first Toys for Tots holiday toy drive in a relatively small storefront space on Avenue R near Haring Street. Twenty-three years later, the club continues to dedicate the event to the memory of Fidler, who died in 2019. 

The former Brooklyn city councilmember and longtime Democratic politician represented Bergen Beach, Sheepshead Bay, Marine Park, Mill Basin and Canarsie in the City Council from 2002 until 2013. 

Fidler left the council because of term limits and was succeeded by fellow Democrat Alan Maisel in January 2014. 

This year’s annual toy drive for needy children took place Dec. 19, before an intimate crowd of community members and Democratic district leaders.

“All these years later, we are still putting smiles on the faces of children in need,” Faucher said. “This is the largest toy drive in Brooklyn, and it has made such a difference in our community. Every toy we collect goes to a child in need, and every dollar we receive goes to buying toys. All donations are noteworthy.” 

Robin Fidler, widow of Lew, added, “My husband started this many years ago, and I’m so happy that it’s been so successful and continues to do what needs to be done for kids.”