The following was submitted by Metashar Dillon, chairman of the Kingdom International Economic Development Corporation (KIEDC).
In partnership with the late Mae Ola Riddick’s M.O.R. Foundation and the New Haven Police Department (NHPD), CEO of the Kingdom International Economic Development Corporation (KIEDC), Metashar Dillon, is proud to announce the 2016 Christmas Toy Drive and Hat and Coat Giveaway.
KIEDC is in full swing to collect toys, coats, hats, and food for the Christmas Holiday Giveaway in New Haven, CT.
Last year the hardworking nonprofit experienced a great loss when someone stole all of the toys from the warehouse! However, community leaders like Jim Travers from the United Way, Walmart Corporate leadership, and Rodney A. Butler, Chairman of the Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation stepped in and saved the day, providing the means to still meet the needs of thousands of
Connecticut families in need during the holiday.
KIEDC/MOR/NHPD will be collecting toys at Walmart (315 Foxon Blvd, New Haven, CT 06513), Monday and Tuesday December 19 – 20, 2017 from 10 AM to 3:00 PM. The officers will be on site to “stuff the cruisers” in support of the Holiday giveaway with the goal to collect toys for over 3,500 children.
Food, coats, hats, and warm winter wear is also need for school age children. “The need for food provisioning has been overwhelming this year, so many people and agencies that service the community is calling on us for help during this season.” Metashar Dillon said. “We have received requests from high schools of kids showing up without coats, as well as higher than normal absentee rates for kids not coming to school because of warm clothing. We need the community’s help to meet the needs.”
Items for the holiday drive can be dropped off at the New Haven Police Headquarters on 1 Union Ave New Haven, CT or the New Haven Police Substation, 26 Charles Street in New Haven, CT.
The distribution dates are as follows:
Items will be packaged and distributed on Monday-Wednesday, December 19th-21st, from 12 pm-7pm. The distribution pick up location will ONLY be at the New Haven Police Substation, 26 Charles Street in New Haven, CT.
To register for the holiday drives go to the website: www.KIEDC.com and click on the Holiday Registration Link. More volunteer assistance and help is needed to make the KIEDC/ MOR/ NHPD 2016 Christmas Toy, Coat, Hat & Food Drive a success. Please go to the donate link on the website to contribute to the cause.
Please call (860) 785‑4332 to sign up to donate food and/or volunteer to help with the event. Connect with us on social media on the KIEDC Facebook fan page, Twitter or Instagram.”