L-R-Worshipful Master Jerry Bailey , Colonel James Maxwell USMC Retired , Luther V Garrison Sr. Masonic Foundation Inc. Board Chair Harold McKoy Sr.
L-R-Westchester County’s own Country Western singer Jessica Lynn, Miss Wheelchair New York Latavia Sturdivant, CEO Ruff Ryders to the Rescue Joaquin Dean
Successful Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony at new home in Yonkers
By Dan Murphy
On Friday, November 15th, Toys for Tots Westchester held a successful ribbon-cutting ceremony at its new headquarters located at 578 Nepperhan Avenue in Yonkers. The event marked the official launch of this year’s holiday toy drive, which will continue through the end of December.
The ceremony brought together community leaders, volunteers, sponsors, and supporters from across Westchester County. Coordinators James Maxwell (Retired USMC) and Patricia Laforey, along with Harold McKoy II, Board Member of the Luther V. Garrison Sr. Masonic Foundation Inc. helped lead the event. Worshipful Master Jerry Bailey of James H. Farrell Lodge #34 and Lou Picani, President of Teamsters Local 456, were also in attendance, representing strong community partnerships.
The program received major support from elected officials including NYS Senator Andrea Stewart-Cousins and Yonkers City Councilwoman Tasha Diaz. “I was ecstatic to see Toys for Tots back in full effect, especially here in the City of Yonkers. We are going through tough times, and the Toys for Tots initiative just proves how we as a city can band together to ensure no child is left behind for the holidays,” said Councilwoman Diaz.
This year’s Toys for Tots campaign is strengthened by a wide range of community sponsors. Evan Bishop (Sponsor & Partner), Executive Director of Yonkers Arts, provided the warehouse space that now serves as headquarters for the 2025 toy drive. Additional sponsors include the Eastchester Fire Department North End, Donjito Latin Fusion, Pelham Rails Restaurant & Bar, and Valentina Ristorante.
The event also featured volunteers from Children’s Village, Westhab, Ruff Ryders to the Rescue Foundation, SUNY Westchester EOC, Messiah Baptist Church, Juices for Life, Off the Hook, and other local organizations and business whose support will help collect, sort, and distribute thousands of toys this season.
Special guests included Latavia Sturdivant, Ms. Wheelchair New York, and Westchester’s own Country, Western singer Jessica Lynn. “It means the world to me to work with Toys for Tots through A Very Merry Classic Christmas. Bringing joy to children and families at Christmas is one of the greatest gifts I get to be part of,” said Lynn who will be performing her Christmas special at the Paramount in Peekskill on December 13 and 14, and collecting gifts for Toys for Tots.
The organization is actively seeking volunteers, toy donation drop-off locations, and sponsors to help expand the impact of the campaign. Collection boxes are being placed across the county, making it easy for everyone to get involved in spreading holiday cheer.
“To think this year children might not have received a toy was hurtful to all of us. To see all the amazing talented people step up and work as one is unbelievably humbling,” said Patricia LaForey, Westchester / Putnam County Co-Coordinator for Toys for Tots. “It’s amazing to see how our community is showing up year after year especially this year to make sure no child is forgotten.”
“For years, Toys-for-Tots has brought joy to children across Westchester, and we are honored that Yonkers will now serve as its home base,” said Harold Mckoy II, Board Member of Luther V. Garrisson Sr. Masonic Foundation. “This effort represents more than toys, it represents community, compassion, and the spirit of giving.”
“This partnership underscores our commitment to uplifting families in Yonkers and beyond,” added Jerry Bailey, Worshipful Master from James H. Farrell Lodge #34. “We are excited to stand with Toys-for-Tots and our community partners to make this year’s campaign one of the most impactful yet.”
The Luther V. Garrisson Sr. Masonic Foundation and James H. Farrell Lodge #34 encourage residents, businesses, and community organizations to get involved by donating toys, volunteering, or spreading the word about this year’s drive.
The new leaders of Toys for Tots Westchester say they had to band together to save Christmas this year. Volunteer Patricia Laforey says she was worried that the collection for Toys for Tots Westchester wasn’t going to happen this year. “We are, unfortunately, worried about the toys coming in, so we decided to do this to reannounce that Westchester Toys for Tots is alive, kicking and well with a new team,” Laforey says.
“Teamsters Local 456 is proud to sponsor Toys-for-Tots. In Local 456, we believe that all children are innocent and represent our future. Every child deserves the opportunity to celebrate the season with happiness, hope, and a special gift to call their own.”
— Louis A. Picani, President & Principal Officer, Teamsters Local 456
“Yonkers Arts is honored to partner with Toys-for-Tots, using The Lab as a community hub to collect, organize, and deliver joy to families across Yonkers. This collaboration reflects our mission to strengthen the city through creativity, compassion, and connection, because when the community comes together, Yonkers wins.”
— Evan Bishop, Executive Director, Yonkers Arts
“What we’re doing here in Yonkers is more than collecting toys, we’re collecting hope. This partnership represents what can happen when a community stands together for its children. The Luther V. Garrison Sr. Masonic Foundation and James H. Farrell Lodge #34 are proud to help lead this effort, ensuring that every child in Yonkers feels the joy and spirit of the season.”
— Harold McKoy II, Sr. Master of Ceremony, James H. Farrell Lodge #34, and Board Member, Luther V. Garrison Sr. Masonic Foundation, Inc.
Last year, Toys-for-Tots Westchester distributed over 48,000 toys to children and families in need. Due to nationwide cutbacks, local organizers have set a bold new goal to collect and distribute 80,000 toys by December, 2025.
To learn how you can get involved, click here: https://putnam-ny.toysfortots.org/local-coordinator-sites/lco-sites/default.aspx?nPageID=0&nPreviewInd=0&nRedirectInd=3
The warehouse is located at 578 Nepperhan Avenue, Yonkers.
