Atlantic County Toys for Kids Program Gives Gift of Joy to Kids

 

Office Administrator and Event Coordinator for Atlantic County Toys for Kids Program Walter Korzeniewski, sorts toys in the Atlantic County Toys for Kids Program store-front space donated by the Ventnor Plaza Shopping Center and utilized to receive, sort and package donations for local families and organizations.

Atlantic County Toys for Kids Program Gives Gift of Joy to Kids

By Cindy Fertsch

“Our biggest worry every year is ‘Are we going to have enough toys?'” Says Walter Korzeniewski, office administrator and event planner for Atlantic County Toys for Kids Program.

Last year alone, the organization gave out just shy of 9,000 toys to children who otherwise would have had none. “Every sponsor, big or small, is so important and makes a difference,” says Walter. Eleven years ago, Walter began volunteering with Atlantic County Toys for Kids Program and has been on the board of directors for the last three years. “There is a lot of emotion attached to the holidays. To see the look on a mother or father’s face when they know their child will have a couple gifts shows you how important it is to them. They are so relieved and thankful,” says Walter.

Look for these donation drop boxes throughout the community. Place a new, unwrapped toy, in the box and Atlantic County Toys for Kids Program will make sure it goes to a child in need this holiday.

     Atlantic County Toys for Kids Program is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, whose mission is to make the world a better place for the kids of Atlantic County, one good deed at a time. It has been in existence for over 28 years and was founded by the organization’s president, Greg DiPiano. What might surprise some, is that this is not a holiday time organization, but rather a 365-days a year organization, that is continually working to fundraise and secure sponsors so that they can support the kids in Atlantic County in multiple ways throughout the year. For example, Atlantic County Toys for Kids Program donates footballs to youth programs, supports and donates to multiple municipalities National Night Out events, Shop with a Cop and many more. They also step in when families face unexpected tragedies, such as a fire or extended illness. On top of that, Atlantic County Toys for Kids Program supports other organizations in the community.

On Monday, Nov. 27, at the Salvation Army, Red Kettle Bell Kick-off, Atlantic County Toys for Kids Program donated 500 toys to families in Atlantic City. Children in the hospital over the holidays will receive a visit from Santa and a gift, all coordinated by Atlantic County Toys for Kids Program. And it is not just for the kids. The organization members go to the nursing homes visiting and giving a small gift to each resident.

“It means so much to them. Sadly, sometimes it is the only human contact they may have other than their doctor and nurse,” says Walter. ” They are so excited and thankful. You would have thought someone gave them a million dollars.”

Atlantic County Toys for Kids Program is run by volunteers and serves families in the community. “At the end of the day, if I know that all my hard work all year long has helped even one child, then I did my job,” says Walter. “That’s what we are all about.”

     If you would like to volunteer, sponsor or donate to Atlantic County Toys for Kids Program or if you or someone you know is in need of assistance go to toysforkidsprogram.org or email WBNGPRODS@GMAIL.COM or call (609)214-9293.  

Facebook
Twitter
LinkedIn
Pinterest
RECENT POSTS