In a powerful demonstration of compassion and community spirit, Assemblyman Doug Smith’s 14th Annual Holiday Toy Drive has set a new record, collecting over $10,000 worth of toys for families affected by domestic violence, human trafficking, and abuse. The drive, which benefits the nonprofit organization ECLI-VIBES, was organized in partnership with Suffolk County Legislator Anthony Piccirillo and DawnMarie Kuhn, President of the Bohemia Civic Association.
ECLI-VIBES is dedicated to providing trauma-informed services to survivors, empowering them to achieve safety, independence, and healing. This year’s toy drive success underscores the community’s commitment to supporting vulnerable families during the holiday season.
“This year’s drive was an overwhelming success, and I’m truly grateful for the incredible support from our community,” said Assemblyman Doug Smith. “Since we started this toy drive in 2011, first launched by then-Assemblyman Al Graf, we’ve raised over $50,000 worth of toys for ECLI-VIBES. Seeing the joy and hope these donations bring to families in need is what the holiday season is all about.”
The toys collected are distributed to children and families served by ECLI-VIBES, many of whom are rebuilding their lives after experiencing significant trauma. These gifts provide more than holiday cheer—they symbolize hope and a brighter future.
A Community Effort
Legislator Anthony Piccirillo, who partnered in the drive, highlighted the collective effort that made it possible. “This toy drive exemplifies the power of people coming together to support a worthy cause. These toys will bring smiles and comfort to children and families who have faced unimaginable challenges,” Piccirillo said.
DawnMarie Kuhn, President of the Bohemia Civic Association, emphasized the importance of community involvement. “This toy drive is about more than just gifts; it’s about giving families hope and helping them rebuild after hardship. ECLI-VIBES does incredible work, and it’s heartwarming to see the outpouring of support from our community,” she said.
This year’s success was fueled by the generosity of many contributors. Key among them was Mrs. Lily Rockwell and her team, who purchased and donated an astounding $4,000 worth of toys. O’Shea Properties, led by Mrs. Katie Rivas, and the tenants in their more than 40 commercial buildings also played a significant role, continuing their tradition of supporting the drive.
Students from the Sachem North High School Honor Society, led by their advisor, Mr. Jonathan Weston, and even students from Nokomis Elementary School to contribute toys and spread holiday cheer. Organizations such as Amvets Post 48, Amvets Post 1174, the Suffolk County Police Benevolent Association, the Greater Ronkonkoma Civic Association, and the Holbrook Chamber of Commerce also lent their support.
A Legacy of Giving
The Holiday Toy Drive began in December 2011, founded by former Assemblyman Al Graf, who is now a New York State Supreme Court Justice. Graf, a U.S. Navy veteran, former New York City Police Officer, and Legal Aid Attorney, had long been committed to helping victims of domestic violence. His work with survivors brought him into close contact with ECLI-VIBES, which at the time was known as VIBS (Victim Information Bureau of Suffolk), a smaller organization with limited resources.
Assemblyman Doug Smith, who served as a top aide to Graf at the time, recalls how the idea for the toy drive was born. “Al wanted to make a meaningful impact for an organization that wasn’t always in the spotlight but was doing critical work for families in crisis,” said Smith. “Starting the toy drive felt like a small but important way to bring joy to children and ease the burden on parents who were facing unimaginable challenges.”
Reflecting on the origins of the initiative, Justice Graf explained, “This organization helps to protect victims of domestic violence, many of whom may be in hiding for their safety, fleeing their homes with just the clothes on their backs. How do you tell a child, ‘Santa Claus can’t find you?’ We started this drive to help take some pressure off the parents during a time of need and to make sure those children could still feel the magic of the holiday season.”
Over the years, the drive has grown exponentially, from its humble beginnings to a record-breaking community-wide effort that has now raised over $50,000 worth of toys for ECLI-VIBES. This enduring tradition continues to symbolize hope, generosity, and the power of a community coming together to support those in need.
About ECLI-VIBES
ECLI-VIBES provides free, culturally sensitive, and trauma-informed services to survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, human trafficking, and abuse. Their mission is to empower survivors and their families to break the cycle of violence and achieve safety and healing.
For more information about ECLI-VIBES, their mission, and how you can support their vital work, visit www.eclivibes.org.
A Grateful Holiday Season
As the 14th year of the toy drive concludes with a record-breaking milestone, Assemblyman Smith extended his heartfelt thanks to all who contributed. “Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to all,” he said. “Thank you for joining us in making a difference for so many families in need. Together, we’ve made this holiday season a little brighter for those who needed it most.”
