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Each year, the PBA collects and transports donated toys, and every year, a larger vehicle is needed. “We would like to eventually get an 18-wheeler,” Mahwah Police Detective Michael Grassi said.
They are getting close.
The toys donated through this year’s drive will be transported using a 26-foot box truck, said Grassi, who is also treasurer of the Mahwah PBA.
The Mahwah PBA has been participating in the Bergen County PBA Toy Drive for about a decade, Grassi said. This year a record high of 50 PBA locals are enlisted in to be part of the “Santa Response Team.”
Donated toys will be delivered to several destinations, including the Joseph M. Sanzari Children’s Hospital at HUMC and the Valley Hospital Pediatric Center, as well as to other local organizations and families in need.
Grassi said that “pretty much every single one of our members helps in some way,” from wrapping boxes to deployment.
“It is probably one of the best feelings in the world, giving to a sick child,” he said.
Several local Mahwah businesses participate in the drive.
- Mahwah Bar & Grill is holding a Dine to Donate event Wednesday, Dec. 6, from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. (Anyone who brings a new, unwrapped toy will receive a free appetizer and the restaurant is donating 10 percent of sales to the cause.)
- Arzee (27-35 Franklin Turnpike) is hosting pictures with Santa on Saturday, Dec. 9, from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. (People should bring a new, unwrapped toy to get a photo with Santa.)
New, unwrapped toys may be dropped through Dec. 15, at the following locations: Mahwah Police Headquarters; Mahwah Town Hall; Mahwah Bar & Grill; Sonny and Tony's Pizza; Mason Jar Restaurant; Ramapo College Bradley Center; Roxanne's Brick Oven Pizzeria and Grill; Esposito's Pizza and Italian Family Restaurant; Stateline Diner; Kingsbridge Diner; Bagel Express; Liberty Hyundai; Mahwah Honda; and Arzee Supply Corp.
If any additional businesses or organizations would like to participate, visit www.mahwahpba143.com to contact the Mahwah PBA Local 143.
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