The First Annual Million Fathers Club Christmas Toy Drive/Kwanzaa Party

The First Annual Million Fathers Club Christmas Toy Drive/Kwanzaa Party was hosted by the honorary chair of the Million Fathers Club, Assemblyman William Scarborough. Local children were over-joyed by the many gifts that were made possible by generous donations from the local merchants of Merrick Boulevard in Southeast Queens. Reverend Edward Davis, Senior Pastor of Presbyterian Church of St. Albans gave a rousing invocation. A few of the highlights were face painting and crafts by the NYC Dept of Parks and Recreation, refreshments, and two Santas.

Scarborough brought together a coalition of contributors eager to promote a positive festive atmosphere promoting family values focusing on fathers and their children. United Black Men of Queens contributed toys and the participation of the high school students they mentor from H.S. of Arts and Humanities at Campus Magnet H.S. NAACP Youth Council members participated. Brooklyn College Children's Studies Department contributed toys. Tammy Greer Brown of Celebrating Real Family Life helped coordinate the event. The event was sponsored by local merchants: Occasions Banquet and Catering Hall which generously donated the use of their banquet hall, Enterprise Car Rental, Poor Freddie’s, Quik Lube, Smoke BBQ Pit, Marcel Robin State Farm Insurance Agency, Springfield Diner, Western Beef, Merrick Car Service, Jim Dandy's Cleaners and Twin Liquor Store.

Here are a few memories that were captured during the festivities.

Photo Credit: Juliet Kaye