HOLIDAY GIVEAWAY
Toy drive organized for YWCA
TROY, N.Y. » Local companies came together in the last two months to organize a massive toy drive benefiting the YWCA of the Greater Capital Region.
It concluded with a giveaway event recently, benefiting dozens of community children.
Spearheading the organization of the toy drive was Edwin Hathaway, who says it all started as a small idea to help area children. Once he got the ball rolling and got friends from area small businesses on board, though, it quickly grew into something big.
“We knew the Y was hurting this year, and we wanted to do something to help,” Hathaway said. “It started off as just an idea - we wanted to make sure these kids have a somewhat normal Christmas.”
Reaching out to his relative Lisa Hotte, who works at the YWCA as a housing coordinator, Hathaway started putting his plan in motion. Everyone he talked to about his idea for a toy drive was happy to join his efforts, especially YWCA executive director Starletta Smith.
“We thought this would be a great resource - community supporting community,” Smith commented.
“We’re so grateful to Edwin for organizing this.”
The toy drive kicked off on Nov. 12. Clippers Barbershop in Troy and Straight Razor Society in Waterford were the designated dropoff locations. Sponsors for the event included Scissors Sisters Crafters, Koshgarian Family Builders, Bodo’s Design, Clean Environmental Solutions, Sugar Mama Bakers, Robin’s Shining Shears, and Hathaway himself through his podcast Nonsensical Knowledge.
On Dec. 20, the toy drive culminated in a giveaway event at the YWCA where the collected toys were distributed to children. Smith says that any toys left over after the event will be disbursed back into the community. The giveaway was carefully structured to keep within all safety guidelines, capping attendance and maintaining social distancing. Despite the pandemic-induced restrictions, it was a very successful event.
“Everything about this is just beautiful,” Smith commented. “Edwin took the lead on everything. It shows that Rensselaer county sticks together, over all.”
“We’re super excited about this,” Hathaway added. “They have about 50 kids at the YWCA that really need our help. It’s been a lot of fun.”