D.R.E.A.M. Teens Spearheading Toy Box Gift Drive Initiative

Looking for a fun, unique way that the whole family can give back this holiday season?

The Bridgehampton Child Care & Recreational Center recently launched its Toy Box Gift Drive Initiative. Spearheaded by the Center’s D.R.E.A.M. (Dedication, Responsibility, Education, Attitude, Motivation) Teens, participants will utilize a shoe box as the backdrop to create a festively garnished “toy box” filled with merry items for local youth.

“We are always living in gratitude at The Center. I am so proud of our D.R.E.A.M Teens,” expressed Bonnie Michelle Cannon, Bridgehampton Child Care & Recreational Center Executive Director. “They live up to their name every day, showing Dedication, Responsibility, Education, Attitude and Motivation. Help our teens help get the ‘COVID Grinch’ out of this Christmas. Get creative and decorate and fill a box for one of the children in our community.”

Boxes can be fashioned out of a standard women’s or men’s shoe box. First, crafters will need to decide whether they’re packing the box for a girl or boy and what age range (2-years-old to 4-years-old, 5-years-old to 9-years-old, or 10-years-old to 14-years-old). Boxes for girls should be embellished with green accessories, while boy boxes should be decked out in red accessories. After the masterpiece is finished, it’s time to stuff them. Each toy box should contain one small to medium “WOW” item, which could be a stuffed animal, or medium ball or other impressive present, personal items – such as a comb, toothbrush, and travel water bottle, crafting essentials – like colored pencils, crayons, markers, coloring books, and paint boxes, toys – such as a slinky, action figures, Barbie doll, or finger puppets (no liquids, glass, or choke hazard items), and a personal note to the recipient.

“Our goal is to be able to provide 200 toy boxes to Bridgehampton’s youth for the holidays,” Jenna Solis, Creator & Facilitator It’s Divine LLC. & D.R.E.A.M Teen Coordinator, noted. “This will not only evoke togetherness in service but gives the opportunity for our D.R. E. A .M. teens and our community to share in a meaningful gifting experience.”

The Toy Box Gift Drive Initiative will run from Tuesday, December 1 through Monday, December 14. The custom boxes may be delivered to the Center, at the trailer in the back, Tuesdays through Fridays from 11:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

“We want to instill hope for better days ahead,” Solis concluded. “We are truly grateful for the support and contributions of Bridgehampton and surrounding communities.”

The Bridgehampton Child Care & Recreational Center is located at 551 Bridgehampton/Sag Harbor Turnpike in Bridgehampton. For more information, visit www.bhccrc.org.