NEW YORK (1010 WINS) -- Gov. Andrew Cuomo on Thursday announced that over the past several weeks, his administration distributed 7,348 toys, coats, and school supplies to communities in need statewide as a part of New York's annual holiday drive.
"During this trying year, New Yorkers have shown up for each other like never before, and I am proud that our annual toy drive tradition continues to bring hope to those who need it the most," Cuomo said. "I am grateful to those who volunteered and donated this year, many of whom face hardships of their own due to the COVID-19 pandemic. This is the spirit of the holiday season, and this is the spirit of New York."
A number of state agencies and organizations collected new unwrapped toys, coats and school supplies that were provided by businesses and individuals and either mailed in or brought to drop-off locations across the state. Walmart provided a donation of $15,000, which purchased 1,211 toys which are being distributed across the state.
Volunteers from the China General Chamber of Commerce also participated in collecting 420 toys for New Yorkers.
For the first time, donations were also collected by mail to provide another option to participate amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
The total number of toys, coats and school supplies collected include:
In-Person Donations: 2,987
Mail-In: 2,730
Partner Toy Collections: 1,631
TOTAL: 7,348