Dec. 8, 2017 By Nathaly Pesantez

Sunnyside Community Services is collecting toys to give to children at local shelters this holiday season, a first for the community group.

The toys will go to the hundreds of children at shelters in the neighborhood, including children at the Samaritan Village, formerly the site of the Pan American Hotel. Over 200 children live at the Queens Boulevard shelter with their families, the majority between the ages of 6 through 14.

To participate, SCS encourages new toys, valued at $10 or more, to be bought for kids up to the age of 14. The toy should then be delivered unwrapped to the center’s welcome desk at 43-31 39th St.

The drive will continue until Dec. 19, and will conclude with a holiday party for the families at the Samaritan Village on the 20th, where the gifts will be distributed.

Other events planned by SCS include Breakfast with Santa and the Immigrants United Solidarity Festival. Breakfast with Santa will be held on Dec. 17 from 10 a.m. to midday at the center. There will be crafts and games for all, along with a raffle.To RSVP, reach out to SCS or register using Eventbrite.

The Immigrants United Solidarity Festival will take place on Dec. 13 from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at the center, and will include a night of live performances, food, refreshments, and information on services like case management, ESOL classes, and food stamps access.