HUNTINGTON, N.Y. (WCBS 880) — A Long Island charity is going above and beyond to save Christmas for young people across the area after suffering a major setback.
About one month ago, the unthinkable happened to the Toys of Hope charity.
They were stopped in their tracks from delivering toys and new coats to children and teenagers in need after the van they've had since 2004 was involved in an accident and can no longer be used.
"We have teenagers that have really been through it. They've lived in their cars, they've lived in homeless shelters. We give them a gift card to a store and they cry, they hug me, they grab me, they start crying over a $20 gift card. You'd think I gave them a bar of gold," said founder Melissa Doktofsky.
The all-volunteer organization used the van to deliver items across Long Island, the five boroughs and in New Jersey.
Instead, they are now going to houses near train stations and bus stops across the area with the dolls, cars and warm coats so they can be picked up by families in time for Christmas.
"People have to walk because we can't get to them. Now imagine that. In this cold bitter weather, I feel terrible. I would normally be bringing the product to them and now we're having them come to meet us," Doktofsky said.
Doktofsky said they give out 750,000 toys a season and help 80,000 families.
A GoFundMe page has been set up to help raise money for a new van.
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