Shorefront Toys for Tots -- Who we are

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https://www.brooklynpaper.com/hospitalized-children-receive-toys-for-the-holidays/ 

Shorefront Toys for Tots and Taconic Investment Partners joined forces to put smiles on the faces of children at Coney Island Hospital, as Toys for Tots Founder & President Brian L. Gotlieb and Taconic Investment Partners’ Chris Balestra distributed gifts to children in the hospital’s Pediatric Department.

In addition to the gifts given to inpatients, gifts were left for pediatric outpatients to select after they visited their primary care doctor during the holiday season.

Shorefront Toys for Tots, created in 1995 by Gotlieb in honor of his late mother, Myrna Helene Gotlieb, has thus far reached out to more than 25,000 children in the Bensonhurst, Brighton Beach, Coney Island, Gravesend, and Sheepshead Bay communities.

Coney Island Hospital is located at 2601 Ocean Parkway at the corner of Avenue Z.

https://www.brooklynpaper.com/pre-moms-day-brunch-salutes-coneys-good-sams/

Pre-Mom's Day Brunch Salutes Coney's Good Sams

By Shavana Abruzzo

“I can tell you that there is nothing like seeing the face of a child light up as he or she receives a new toy for the holidays,” said toy drive co-founder Brian Gotlieb as he presented plaques to six “surrogate moms” for their selfless community work during a tribute brunch in Coney Island.

The pre-Mom’s Day salute, presented by Shorefront Toys for Tots and held at Peggy O’Neill’s on West 19th Street and Surf Avenue, honored the Good Samaritans for helping “improve the lives of thousands of children” in the area through the organization’s seasonal gift drives.

The honorees were: Pastor Larnie Mae Mobley, Community Baptist Church of Coney Island; Sheryl Robertson, South Brooklyn Youth Consortium; Laura Smith, New Freedom Baptist Church; Margaret Williams, Coney Island Gospel Assembly Church; Rosa Wyche, Coney Island Houses Residents Association; and Pam Harris, Coney Island Generation Gap.

Shorefront Toys for Tots was established in memory of Gotlieb’s mother, Myrna Helene Gotlieb, who passed away in 1993 at the age of 52, and who her son said stressed the importance of “giving back and being active in the community.” 

http://www.brooklyncyclones.com/news/news/index.html?article_id=1055  

On Saturday, April 30th, Sharon Lundy-Ross, who has been a vital member of the Brooklyn Cyclones front office since the 2001 season, was recognized by Shorefront Toys for Tots as their "Surrogate Mother" in  appreciation of her commitment and dedication to the children and community of Coney Island.  She was honored at their Second Annual Pre-Mother's Day Brunch and received proclamations from Congressman Anthony Weiner, State Senator Marty Golden, Brooklyn Borough President Marty Markowitz, as well as various other dignitaries, to honor her tireless work within Brooklyn.  The Cyclones are proud to have such a wonderful representative of the organization and congratulate Sharon on this well deserved honor. 

https://www.brooklynpaper.com/carmine-rails-against-change-for-the-worst/ 

Carmine Rails Against Change -- For The Worst!

By Carmine Santa Maria

I’m madder than a caterpillar that had a big meal, made himself a nice bed, fell asleep, and woke up in a whole new body with wings that he never asked for over the fact that no matter what I do, I can’t stop the constant change that interrupts our lives over and over and over again.

Look, you all know the ol’Screecher hates change more than anybody because, let’s face it, most of it is for the worst. Take, for instance the recent rise in the cost of a ride on my beloved Access-A-Ride, which went up right along with all those subway and bus fares! Now, it’s gonna cost me $2.50 instead of $2.25 every time I want door-to-door service to and from places my trusty steed Tornado can’t take me.

And then there’s the weather when moving from fall into winter, and then from spring into summer! It never gets better! Either it gets too cold or too hot. Again, it only gets worse!

That’s why I prefer things to stay exactly how they used to be, which, as far as I’m concerned, was better. That’s why I’ve still got my Zenith in the living room, my rotary phone on the kitchen wall, and clocks with an hour hand, minute hand, and second hand!

And that’s why I’m proud to honor my group BWECC!’s Humanitarian of the Year Brian Gotlieb, who has been around a long time and seen so many changes, but has never changed his dedication and constant service to the community — which is the way I like it.

Like any great person, Gotlieb credits his late mother, Myrna, with teaching him the importance of helping others and being active in the community.

In 1995, Gotlieb created Shorefront Toys for Tots in her memory. To date, the organization has distributed toys, games, clothing, books, and puzzles to more than 30,000 children throughout our community.

As a member of Community School Board 21, Brian focused on the issues of child safety and providing our children with a learning environment conducive to maximizing their potential.

To that end he:

• Helped secure a $4.96 million Magnet School Grant for District 21’s students;

• Led the fight to provide District 21’s schools with additional school safety officers and crossing guards;

• Hosted a series of child safety programs that provided parents with free identification cards containing copies of their children’s fingerprints along with Polaroids of their children to present to law enforcement personnel in the event of an emergency;

• Initiated a district-wide reading program with the Brooklyn Cyclones and Deno’s Wonder Wheel Amusement Park.

Gotlieb was chairman of Community Board 13 from 2002 through 2006, and was praised for his fairness and even-handed approach.

In December of 2008, Gotlieb was named chairman of the board’s education, library, and youth services committee, where he spoke out on charter schools, the future of John Dewey High School, the re-zoning of Community School District 21, school funding, mayoral control of our public schools, the effects of PCBs in public schools, and providing needy students with free or reduced fare MetroCards.

Since 2005, Gotlieb has provided free or low-cost workshops where he taught students how to prepare for and pass the New York State Notary Public Examination.

Gotlieb, who is a graduate of the Rabbi Harry Halpern Day School and Midwood High School, received his BA from New York University, MA from the University of Florida and JD from New York Law School.

Professionally, Brian is an attorney who currently serves as an Associate with the law firm of Frekhtman & Associates.

Brian’s unbelievable record of service to others certainly justifies his receiving BWECC’s Humanitarian of the Year award. Let this Santa Claus confirm Shorefront’s Toys For Tots program, as Brian was my elf driving me around from school to school and to his Shorefront Toys For Tots.

https://www.brooklynpaper.com/motherly-love-charity-brunch-honors-special-ladies/ 

Motherly Love!  Charity brunch honors special lades

By Will Bredderman

Moms — they’re the gift that keeps on giving.

More than 200 people packed Sirico’s catering hall on 13th Avenue on April 12 for the Shorefront Toys for Tots annual Mother’s Day brunch — which honored eight matriarchs from Southern Brooklyn’s waterfront community.

“We had wonderful honorees who have done a lot of good in the community, not just for children, but for people of all ages,” said Shorefront Toys for Tots founder Brian Gottlieb.

Gottlieb started Shorefront Toys for Tots — which provides needy Southern Brooklyn children with gifts during the holiday season — in 1995, in honor of his mother Myrna, who passed away two years prior. Gottlieb said his mother, despite having to raise him alone, always stressed the importance of civic activism.

“She always had the philosophy that she beat into me at an early age, that you can’t just sit and watch — you have to do. You have to be active,” said Gottlieb, who served as chairman of Community Board 13 2002–06, and remains active on the panel. “You have to do the right thing by the future generations.”

That’s why the Mother’s Day brunch — a tradition since 2003 — both collects money and presents for children and also pays tribute to the leading ladies of the community.

This year, the celebration acknowledged the efforts of Carey Gardens Tenants Association head Shirley Aikens, neighborhood activist Sheila Boyd, IS 237 assistant principal Rosanna Conenna, District 21 Community Education Council president Heather Ann Fiorica, Art’s House School executive director Sophia Harrison, Pastor Connie Hulla of the Coney Island Gospel Assembly, Astella Development Corporation administrative assistant Marie Scordaras, and PS 253 principal Lisa Speroni.

Gottlieb said that the socially minded spirit of the honorees is what inspires Shorefront Toys for Tots, which has touched the lives of more than 30,000 local kids.

“We help put a smile on the faces of the children,” said Gottlieb. “It’s just a little message, something showing that people care.”

https://brooklynreporter.com/2014/05/expanding-a-mom%c2%92s-legacy-to-include-thousands-of-children/ 

Expanding a mom's legacy to include thousands of children

By Editorial Staff

While he was growing up, Brian Gotlieb's mother always stressed the importance of giving back and being active in the community. Gotlieb, who was looking to follow his mother's teachings after she died in 1993 at the age of 52, decided to work on issues that affected children, creating Shorefront Toys for Tots in 1995.

The organization was designed to distribute gifts to underprivileged children during Chanukah, Christmas and Kwanzaa. Gotlieb, its founder and president, is proud to say that the organization has reached out to more than 32,000 children throughout the community.
On April 12, Shorefront Toys for Tots had its annual Pre-Mother's Day Brunch at Sirico's Caterers, and according to Gotlieb, "it was the most successful event thus far."

At the event the organization honored eight women who they call "Surrogate Mothers." The eight surrogate mothers this year are: Shirley Aikens, president of Carey Gardens Tenant Association; community activist Sheila Boyd, Rosanna Conenna, assistant principal of I.S. 239; Heather Ann Fiorica, president of District 21's Community Education Council; Sophia Harrison, executive director of Art's House Schools; Pastor Constance "Connie" Hulla, of the Coney Island Gospel Assembly; Marie Scordaras, an administrative assistant at Astella Development Corporation; and Lisa Speroni, principal of PS. 253.

"We honor "surrogate mothers," people who have done a lot in the community, and work primarily with helping children," he said. "They recognize they have their own family and circle but they go beyond that."

Apart from distributing toys during the holidays, the group also gives gifts to underprivileged children in Coney Island Hospital and in schools within School District 21.

"We've always done it with the belief that even though a child plays with the gift for 15 minutes, it's 15 minutes they don't have to worry about problems they have going on," he said.

The organization is still working on getting donations in, but apart from fundraising money, it also asked attendees at the brunch to donate a new and unwrapped toy.

"A lot of people gave one toy, but [some] gave more than one toy," Gotlieb said. "They were very generous in terms of helping us and I'm very grateful of people that were able to come, but it's something that I would say in terms of everything across the board, it was the successful event thus far."

Gotlieb said that it is "truly wonderful" to see the faces on the children each year.
Children who are in the hospital are dealing with their own problems, "so this is a little something to brighten their day and just show them that somebody cares about them." 

Uniting communities in support of children is critical to building a better, brighter future for our city, and it is especially important for us to work together to offer a helping hand to those in need. Shorefront Toys for Tots has been a partner in these efforts with its mission to bring joy and light into the lives of young people. Founded by Brian Gotlieb in 1995, Shorefront Toys for Tots has encouraged residents to donate their time to caring for children and distributed gifts during the holiday season, touching the lives of many across the five boroughs and far beyond. Today’s event is a wonderful time to recognize the compassion and kindness of this organization, and I applaud all of its supporters for their spirit of service and the generosity they have shown in uplifting young New Yorkers. On behalf of the City of New York, congratulations to all of this year’s honorees. Please accept my best wishes for an enjoyable brunch and continued success. 

 https://brooklynreporter.com/2015/04/shorefront-toys-for-tots-honors-women-at-pre-mothers-day-brunch/ 

Shorefront Toys for Tots honors women at Pre-Mother's Day Brunch

By Anna Spivak

There’s nothing like a mother’s love.

Shorefront Toys for Tots held its Annual Pre-Mother’s Day Brunch on Saturday, April 18 and honored 10 Brooklyn women who devote their days to helping children – something that Brian Gotlieb, president of Shorefront Toys for Tots, said means a lot to him because of his own late mother, Myrna Helene Gotlieb, who inspired him to found the organization.

“My mother was somebody who was very active and involved in children’s causes and helping others,” said Gotlieb. “She taught me, from my first memory until she passed, the importance of being involved in the community [and] of helping those who aren’t able to help themselves and [that is] something that resonated in me and pushed me to start the organization in her memory.”

Gotlieb, who is also a practicing attorney and chairperson of Community Board 13’s Education and Library committee, calls the organization a “labor of love.”

“Everyone gravitated towards my mother,” Gotlieb explained. “Any child who needed something, she was one of the first to be there to try to solve the problem. That was the inspiration for starting this organization. We collect toys and games and books and puzzles and we distribute them during the holiday season. We focus primarily on Southern Brooklyn [and] since we’ve started the organization, we’ve helped over 34,000 in total.”

The 10 women chosen to be honored, called “Surrogate Mothers” at the event, go “above and beyond the realm of just family,” according to Gotlieb. They each display a deep commitment to their work with children.

This year’s honorees were Priscilla Consolo, founder and executive director of the Speak-Up & Clean Up Campaign; Maria Di Graziano, president of District 21’s Presidents Council; Salema Marbury, principal of P.S. 329; Dilia Schack, past president of the Ragamuffin Parade Committee; Madelene Torres, housing specialist with the Astella Development Corporation; Gina Dacchille, parent coordinator at P.S. 253; April Leong, founding principal of Liberation Diploma Plus High School; Nicole Robinson-Etienne, assistant director of government and community affairs at the Wildlife Conservation Society’s NY Aquarium; Victoria Stancil, former president of the Marlboro Houses Residents Association; and Laurie Windsor, president of Community Education Council District 20.

“We had a little over 200 people attend the event,” said Gotlieb, “and that’s in large part to the fact that each of our honorees has done an amazing job on behalf of the community and people want to come to honor them.”

 https://www.brooklynpaper.com/toys-for-tots/  

Toys For Tots

By Joanna DelBuono

Borough Wide Toys For Tots

Hats off to Brian Gotlieb for heading the 20th anniversary of the Shorefront Toys for Tots.Brian founded the Shorefront Toys for Tots organization to distribute gifts to underprivileged children during Hanukkah, Christmas, and Kwanzaa, in honor of his late mother, Myrna Helene Gotlieb, who passed away in 1993.

The Standing O pal held the Children First Awards on Nov. 19 at Sirico’s and honored six of the community’s finest vollies for exemplifying his mom’s generous spirit.“These individuals, like my late mother, have touched and helped improve the lives of thousands of children throughout our community and beyond,” Brian said. “My mother stressed the importance of giving back and being active in the community and looking to follow my mother’s teachings, I decided to work on issues that affected children and created Shorefront Toys for Tots in 1995.”

Standing O gives thanks to Brian with a shout-out that he can add to his mantle of good deeds, and asks readers to give him a call if they are interested in donating a toy or two — or more. Well what are you waiting for? The holidays are just around the corner

Shorefront Toys for Tots, [2930 W. Fifth St. in Brighton Beach; 718-996-5668].

https://salfordville4.rssing.com/chan-3839603/all_p401.html 

By Joanna DelBuono

Get those raffle tickets ready for the annual pre-Mother’s day brunch hosted by Shorefront Toys for Tots.

This year the honorees are “surrogate moms” Antonella Bove, principal of PS 215; Anne Marie Lettieri-Baker, principal of PS 177; Erin Lynch, principal of IS 96, Katherine Moloney, principal of PS 100; and Nancy Tong, District Leader, 47th Assembly District.
Brian Gotlieb founded the popular event to honor his late mother, who, like the honorees, was the finest surrogate mother to many children in need, helping to improve the lives of thousands of children throughout the community.

The fund-raiser will be held at Sirico’s Caterers, 8023 13th Avenue on April 16, from 10 am to 2 pm. Tickets are $80 per person and $750 for a table of 10. Attendees are asked to bring a new and unwrapped toy. There will be plenty of great prizes, an assortment of raffles, and a good time for all, promises Brian the host.

Here’s hoping this great brunch continues to nourish our communities for decades to come.

Shorefront Toys for Tots, c/o Brian Gotlieb [2930 W. Fifth St. in Brighton Beach, (718) 996–5668].

Read Standing O every Thursday on BrooklynDaily.com!

https://brooklynreporter.com/2016/05/shorefront-toys-for-tots-hosts-another-successful-pre-mothers-day-brunch/ 

Shorefront Toys for Tots hosts another successful Pre-Mother’s Day Brunch

By Jamie DeJesus

Giving back to children in need and honoring women that lead by example was the theme as Shorefront Toys for Tots hosted its annual Pre-Mother’s Day Brunch.

The event, held at Sirico’s Restaurant, 8023 13th Avenue, on Saturday, April 16 was yet another success for the organization that helps children in need. In addition to money and items  donated to youngsters all over the borough, six “Surrogate Mothers” were honored for having gone above and beyond the call of duty to help kids from the community.

“It was a very successful event. Over 200 people were in attendance,” said Brian Gotlieb, president of the organization. “The event, which we’ve been doing for the last few years, is a fundraising event that reaches out to children all over Brooklyn. People came to donate toys or made a donation through their attendance. We’ve been able to reach out to more children.”

Shorefront Toys for Tots, which now helps over 36,000 children throughout Brooklyn, started in 1995 in memory of Gotlieb’s mother, Myrna Helene Gotlieb. “She passed away on my birthday and was buried the day before her birthday in 1993. She was going to be 53 years old,” he said, stating that he received his desire to help others from her. “I wanted to follow in my in mother’s footsteps in helping others. She was very active and involved in children’s causes. One of the things she always did was teach me that I have to be actively involved in the community. Don’t sit on your hands and watch everyone do while you watch.”

Gotlieb was also pleased with this year’s honorees. “We recognized people who have followed into my mother’s steps, women who go about their day helping improve the quality of life of children without looking for recognition,” he said. “It’s the right thing to do. And we’ve been blessed over the years to have a number of honorees that don’t look for the attention.”

This year’s honorees were Antonella Bove, principal of P.S. 215; Ann Marie Lettieri-Baker, principal of P.S. 177; Erin Lynch, principal of I.S. 96; Arelis Martinez, Democratic district leader in the 51st A.D.; Katherine Moloney, principal of P.S. 100; and Nancy Tong, Democratic district leader in the 47th Assembly District.

“They help children, provide them with the foundation they need to succeed in the future,” Gotlieb added. “That’s the type of person we look to recognize. We think these people carry a philosophy day in and day out that deserves to be applauded by their peers and the community.”

Ultimately, the day was all about the children. “The attitude of the organization is that whatever toy or book or puzzle is donated won’t take away all of a child’s hurt or take away whatever disease is ailing him or her. But even if they play with a gift  for 20 minutes, they don’t have to worry about what ails them. It also shows that someone is concerned,” Gotlieb said.

Gotlieb expressed his delight that so many people were on hand to support the cause. “There are different organizations that do wonderful work,” he said. “I’m honored that they decided to share their money and time with us. I appreciate it, the children appreciate it, and the organization appreciates it.”

https://www.nydailynews.com/new-york/caribbeat-n-y-radio-pat-bailey-surely-missed-article-1.2914622 

CARNIVAL GROUP GIVING TO KIDS

The West Indian American Day Carnival Association, that gives the New York the annual New York Caribbean Carnival, is giving this holiday season through its free Christmas party today in Brooklyn for children ages 1-month to eight-year-olds.

A Santa Claus will be handing out donated gifts for the first 500 children in attendance at the first-come, first-serve event, being held at Tropical Paradise Ballroom, 1367 Utica Ave. (between Foster and Farragut Aves.), from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m.

Co-sponsored by the Healthfirst health insurance company and the Tropical Paradise Ballroom, the event is being stocked with children's gifts donated by the U.S. Marine Toys for Tots, the New York Police Department, and the Patrol Borough Brooklyn South Community Affairs Unit, Metroplus, Panera Bread, Wellcare, Conrad's Bakery, Shorefront Toys for Tots, DL Cory Provost, Sugarcane Restaurant, Bajan Kitchen, Allan's Bakery, Bedessee Imports, Associated Supermarkets and Shorefront Toys for Tots.

For more information, call (917) 651-4499, (718) 467-1797 or send email to wiadcainc@gmail.com.

https://brooklynreporter.com/2017/05/surrogate-mothers-star-annual-southwest-brooklyn-mothers-day-toys-tots-fundraiser/ 

“Surrogate mothers” star at annual southwest Brooklyn Mother’s Day Toys for Tots fundraiser

By Danielle Kogan

Seven women, dubbed “surrogate mothers” for their efforts nurturing their neighborhood’s children, were in the spotlight at the annual Shorefront Toys for Tots Pre-Mother’s Day Brunch on April 27.

Besides paying homage to the women, the event provides an early start to the organization’s toy collection efforts, with attendees bring new and unwrapped playthings to the brunch held at Sirico’s Caterers, 8023 Thirteenth Avenue.

Founder Brian Gotlieb was motivated to begin the effort two years after his mother Myrna died at the age of 52. Designed to distribute gifts to underprivileged children during Hanukkah Christmas, and Kwanzaa, the program has touched the lives of over 38,000 children.

Among the women honored were three local principals: Rina Horne from P.S. 212, Donna Neglia from P.S. 216 and Karen Ditolla from I.S. 239.

Also honored was certified midwife Aleyamma Philipose from Coney Island Hospital, Executive Director of the Brighton Ballet Theater Irina Roizin, Coney Island Gospel Assembly Church Director of Children’s Education Judie Fraser, and Assemblymember Maritza Davila.

On behalf of himself and the children the organization reached out to, Gotlieb thanked those who donated for their  support. For more information on the effort, email Gotlieb at shorefronttoysfortots@gmail.com.

https://brooklyneagle.com/articles/2017/12/01/newton-foundation-hosts-holiday-dinner-and-toy-giveaway/ 

Newton Foundation hosts holiday dinner and toy giveaway 

By John Alexander

The Newton Foundation hosted its annual holiday dinner and toy giveaway on Friday, Nov. 24 at The BKLN Diner (formerly Vikki’s Restaurant) at 5924 Ave. N in Mill Basin. The foundation provided toys and other essentials for children and their families from the Glenwood Family Residence.

Nick Cornalis, the proprietor of The BKLN Diner, donated his services for the event.  The parents and children chose individual meals from the menu.

Attendees enjoyed an afternoon of holiday cheer, music and storytelling. Gift bags filled with toiletries, including hats, gloves and other outerwear, were given to all attendees.  

The Newton Foundation is a nonprofit organization established by Judy Newton and her husband Richard Baxt to provide essential services where they are needed most.  The foundation’s goal is to enhance the lives of underprivileged families by providing services that are vital to their needs.

Newton, a retired NYPD detective, has been actively involved for 17 years with the annual dinner and toy giveaway at the City Hall Restaurant. She worked closely with Henry Meer, chef and proprietor of the restaurant, to bring holiday cheer to approximately 300 children and their parents on Christmas Eve.  This event was her inspiration to bring the same program to children in her home borough of Brooklyn.

Guests were greeted by Santa Claus and 7-year-old Jacob Abdullah, who has been Santa’s trusted elf for three years.  

Elected officials and dignitaries attending included state Sen. Roxanne Persaud; City Councilmember Alan Maisel; 58th Assembly District leader Melba Brown; 59th Assembly District Leader SueAnn Partnow; Shorefront Toys for Tots President Brian Gotlieb, Gerard Brewster of the Flatlands Civic Association; Gina Abadi; Sandra and Tameka Jones; Sandy Goddard; The Too-A-Foo Family; Jean Joseph; and Kerri Peritore.

Gotlieb explained that his involvement with Toys for Tots meant a great deal to him because it helped perpetuate his mother’s legacy. As a child his family was poor, he explained, and now he had the opportunity to make sure that kids would have toys for Christmas.

A highlight of the event was when Santa made his appearance with gifts for all, children, and parents alike.  The children gathered around Santa, sat on his lap and had their pictures taken with him before they graciously accepted their presents.  

A young girl asked, “Santa, can I have a car for Christmas?” to which Santa replied, “What kind?” The girl said “A Bugatti.” Santa laughed and said, “You better be a real good girl because Santa has no cars in his bag today.” But the children were happy with the presents they received, and one young boy couldn’t wait to play with his brand new chess set. 

https://brooklynreporter.com/2018/12/coney-island-community-leaders-organization-brings-joy-to-children-in-need/  

Coney Island Community Leader’s Organization Brings Joy to Children in Need

By John Alexander

Brian Gotlieb believes in giving back. The Coney Island resident, who is extremely active in his community, started the Shorefront Toys for Tots organization to help brighten the lives of sick and underprivileged children in his neighborhood.

When he was a child, Gotlieb’s mother instilled in him the importance of giving back and being active in the community. When his mother died in 1993 at the age of 52, Gotlieb decided to honor her memory by creating Shorefront Toys for Tots.

On Tues., Dec. 18, Gotlieb, along with other civic leaders, brought the collected toys to the children at NYC Health + Hospitals/Coney Island.

Assemblymember William Colton, Gotlieb, Chief of Pediatrics Dr. Warren Seigel, hospital CEO William Brown and other doctors and volunteers brought the bundles of toys to the hospital’s pediatric department, going room to room to distribute them to the children.

“I was very honored to participate with Toys for Tots and to see the smiles on the faces of the children when they received the toys, and the faces of the parents as their child received a toy,” Colton told this paper. “I especially enjoy being with Brian Gotlieb to see the gifts distributed to the children each year.”

Gotlieb explained that the organization also sponsors child safety and anti-bullying programs in conjunction with the district attorney, as well as blood drives with Coney Island Hospital. He added that the success of the organization involves a lot of people who contribute in a variety of ways including monetary donations or volunteering their time.

“Since we started in 1995, the organization has reached out to approximately 40,000 kids,” Gotlieb told this paper. “We’ve had the honor and privilege of helping put 40,000 smiles on the faces of children who need it most.”

Apart from distributing toys to Coney Island Hospital during the holidays, the group also gives gifts to underprivileged children in schools within District 21, which includes Coney Island, Brighton Beach, Gravesend and Bensonhurst.

“This is a labor of love for me,” Gotlieb said. “I’m just walking in my mother’s footsteps and trying to put forward what she tried to teach me before she passed away.”

https://www.brooklynpaper.com/for-the-children-coney-islanders-toast-local-leaders-committed-to-kids-causes/  

For the children:  Coney Islanders toast local leaders committed to kids' causes

By Julianne Mcshane 

More than 200 kind-hearted Coney Islanders toasted six local leaders at the Shorefront Toys for Tots’ Children First Award Ceremony at Gargiulo’s restaurant in Coney Island on March 28.

The event celebrated Kings Countians who are committed to advocating for the borough’s kids without drawing attention to themselves, according to the organization’s founder.

“We were looking to honor people who are actively involved in causes to help children, people who go about it without necessarily looking to be honored for what they’re doing,” said Brian Gottlieb, who lives in Coney Island. “They do it because it’s the right thing to do.”

Gottlieb honored IS 96 principal Janet Ndzibah and PS 188 principal Antoinette Tucci for their work educating southern Brooklyn’s school children.

Coney Island Hospital’s CEO William Brown was honored for helping to facilitate and expand the hospital’s partnership with Shorefront Toys for Tots.

Hon. Nikki Lucas was recognized for coordinating holiday programs for children in East New York, while Hon. Joseph Bova was honored for organizing an annual Christmas program for youngsters through the Bensonhurst Lions Club.

Emily Rodriguez was also recognized for her work in the family court division of the New York City Law Department.

Those who attended the celebration donated more than 500 toys, which the organization will distribute to the Borough of Church’s children during the seasons of Christmas, Hanukkah, and Kwanzaa, according to Gottlieb, who said that organizers will — for the first time this year — also distribute toys to Muslim youngsters celebrating Ramadan, in partnership with the Apna Brooklyn Community Center in Brighton Beach.

Gottlieb founded Shorefront Toys for Tots in 1995 in memory of his mother, Myrna, who died two years prior and inspired her son with her civic mindedness and her work on behalf of children, he said.

“My mother was somebody who was very active in children’s causes, and she was a strong believer in giving back to the community and being active,” Gottlieb said.

The born-and-bred Brooklynite added that he and the other volunteers who operate the group stay motivated by the happiness their work brings to youngsters.

“Seeing the face of the child smile, seeing the kid being happy, enjoying their new toy or book or puzzle — that’s what makes everything worthwhile,” Gottlieb said.

https://canarsiecourier.com/bringing-holiday-cheer-to-those-less-fortunate-p4424-199.htm

Bringing Holiday Cheer To Those Less Fortunate 

The Newton Foundation hosted its annual holiday dinner and toy giveaway on Friday at The BKLN Diner. The foundation provided toys and other items that are useful to the recipients, who live at WIN Glenwood Family Residence, a local shelter.

Nick Cornalis, the proprietor of The Brooklyn Diner, is always grateful for the privilege of hosting the annual luncheon. The families choose individual meals from the standard menu. Attendees enjoyed an afternoon of music, storytelling and general interaction with the spirited volunteers. It is important that all attendees had a sense of togetherness and belonging to the community, with an appreciation to be treated and welcomed with respect. Santa and his most loyal elves joined with State Senator Roxanne Persaud in greeting all attendees in the jovial spirit of the holiday. Private transportation was arranged for guests.

The Newton Foundation is a nonprofit organization that has been providing this service for over two decades. It was established by Dr. Judy Newton and her husband, Richard Baxt. The foundation’s goal is to enhance the lives of underprivileged families by providing them vital services.

Dr. Newton, Santa, the board members and distinguished guests were all grateful to host the recipients.

Courtesy of The Newton Foundation

“I was very honored to participate with Shorefront Toys for Tots and to see the smiles on the faces of the children when they received the toys, and the faces of the parents as their child received a toy,” Colton told this paper. “I especially enjoy being with Brian Gotlieb to see the gifts distributed to the children each year.”

*Following STFT distribution at Coney Island Hospital, December 2018.

*See, also:  https://brooklynreporter.com/2018/12/coney-island-community-leaders-organization-brings-joy-to-children-in-need/  

“It is a great opportunity to make others feel good by giving them not only toys but toys obtained through the generosity of others. Thank you to Shorefront Toys for Tots for giving us all the opportunity to share in the joy of making children happy.” 

*Following STFT "Christmas in August" distribution at Coney Island Hospital on August 11, 2020

*See, also:

https://brooklynreporter.com/2020/08/shorefront-toys-for-tots-gives-back-to-coney-island-hospitals-pediatric-patients-staff/

*Organizational title and affiliation listed solely for identification purposes.

Great partnership Brian Gotlieb.  Your work to spread happiness in our children's life is inspiring.  

*Following STFT / APNA Brooklyn Community Center Spring Celebration on June 13, 2020

*Organizational title and affiliation listed solely for identification purposes.

Brian, today's event was a great one!  You all did such a wonderful job!  Thank you so much for inviting me.  

*Following STFT / APNA Brooklyn Community Center Spring Celebration on June 13, 2020

*Organizational title and affiliation listed solely for identification purposes.

"Shorefront Toys for Tots is an organization that not only makes sure no child goes without a present to open during the holiday season, but has also distributed many toys, games, and books to hundreds of children at numerous community events during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Founder and President, Brian Gotlieb, is one of the most dedicated, hardworking and innovative people I’ve had the pleasure of working with in any capacity. 

His purpose for starting Shorefront Toys for Tots is due to honoring his mother's memory. Brian is a community leader who is also compassionate, kind and never misses the opportunity to help others"

*Organizational title and affiliation listed solely for identification purposes.

https://scontent-lga3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/s960x960/104347207_3995069587231966_4071715842634678705_o.jpg?_nc_cat=109&_nc_sid=8024bb&_nc_ohc=8NLnFlR6jegAX9V0wMH&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-1.xx&_nc_tp=7&oh=9561d8d63099ffe27f8f8c0e6b50295d&oe=5F10685F

Shorefront Toys For Tots is an organization that puts the needs of children first.  The President, Brian Gotlieb, has a heart of gold and his mother would be so proud of all he has accomplished.

 *Organizational  title and affiliation listed solely for identification purposes. 

"For over 25 years the Shorefront Toys for Tots program has brought smiles to our pediatric patients!  Every year in December, thanks to the generosity of this terrific organizations, children who have appointments with their pediatrician and those who are hospitalized get a gift.  And the gift that we get is seeing their smiles.  What an incredible organization and we are so honored to be affiliated with them!" 

 *Organizational title and affiliation listed solely for identification purposes.