1-day toy drive returns on Nov. 24 in Medina

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 1 November 2018 at 9:12 am

Photo by Tom Rivers: A one-day toy drive last year resulted in toys for about 500 children. The toys were dropped off at Canalside Tattoo on Main Street in Medina. Shawn Ramsey, left, is owner of Canalside. He is pictured with Andrew Szatkowski, organizer of the toy drive, whch returns on Nov. 24.

MEDINA – A one-day toy drive will return on Nov. 24 during Medina’s festive Olde Tyme Christmas celebration.

Andrew Szatkowski organized the event last year, and people donated toys for about $500 children.

Szatkowski put together 20 packages to entice donations of toys or $5 that will be used to buy presents. With every donation, people were given a raffle ticket for a chance to win one of the 20 “Medina Experience” packages. That raised an additional $800 that was used to purchase toys.

Szatkowski is back at it this year, putting together packages from businesses to provide an additional incentive for people to donate toys or money.

“You only get so many Christmases,” he said. “From ages 3 to 10 especially Christmases are magical. They are impactful. They are lifelong and you never forget them, good or bad.”

The donated toys will be given to Community Action of Orleans & Genesee and the Medina Area Association of Churches, which will distribute them to families in Orleans County.

Szatkowski was impressed with the quality of the gifts donated last year to local children.

Any business or resident who wants to donate towards a gift package is welcome to contact him at 585-205-0581 or ajs@takeform.net.

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