Politics & Government

Toy Drive Marks End of Carrozza's Tenure

Assemblywoman said record number of Queens residents donated gifts for vets, children

State Assemblywoman Ann-Margaret Carrozza, D-Bayside, said more northeast Queens residents donated to her final gift drive as an elected official than to any other during her 14 years in office.

The assemblywoman will distribute gifts collected for veterans during the drive later this week and she will hand out more than 1,000 toys to needy Queens children drive next week.

"I think people are sensitive to the increased pressure and economic needs of their neighbors," the assemblywoman said of the bounty collected during her annual drive. "It's an absolutely record breaking year, which is great because there are so many families in need in the area. People are having more difficulty this year. The economic recovery has been slower than we'd hoped."

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The assemblywoman has been holding drives for veterans since her college days and toy collections from the time she was first elected to office in 1996.

She plans to continue operating her annual Valentine's for Vets program after she leaves office in December.

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For this year's veterans drive, Carrozza has been collecting sugar-free candy, toiletries, socks, puzzles, playing cards, sweaters, pajamas, robes and slippers.

The assemblywoman and 15 students from Flushing's Holy Cross High School out to veterans at the St. Albans Community Living Center of the VA New York Harbor Healthcare System as well as at the New York State Veterans Home in St. Albans.

"They are thrilled to be remembered," Carrozza said of veterans at the hospital. "I think it's important for them to know they are not forgotten and we appreciate them very much."

A corner of Carrozza's office, located at 213-33 39th Ave. in Bayside, is overflowing with gifts from the toy drive, including Barbie dolls, Lego products, toy cars, board games, stuffed animals, SpongeBob figures and various other items.

The deadline for the toy drive is Dec. 23. Gifts should be dropped off at Carrozza's office or at the Allergy & Asthma Center on 38-21 Bell Blvd.

Earlier this year, the assemblywoman announced that she would not seek another term. Democrat Edward Braunstein, who defeated Republican Vince Tabone during the Nov. 2 election, will replace Carrozza on Jan. 1.

Her district covers Douglaston, Little Neck, Bayside, College Point and Whitestone.


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