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Anger is building in Brooklyn after toys meant for children in need were stolen from a holiday donation drive tied to a U.S. Marine Corps Reserve program that supports military families nationwide.
Toys donated for the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots program were stolen from the district office of New York Rep. William Colton, a Democrat who represents District 47, in the Gravesend section of Brooklyn. The theft likely happened Thursday, according to Colton’s office, just days before the toys were scheduled to be picked up and distributed to local children.
Staff said the donation box had been placed near the front entrance to make it easier for neighbors to drop off gifts, but it was later moved inside after the theft was discovered.
Military.com reached out for comment to the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve, the Marine Toys for Tots Foundation, and the Brooklyn Borough President’s Office.
Theft Brings Community Together
The theft left a lot of people, including Colton, flummoxed.
“We don’t know why someone chose to steal toys donated to be given to children who are less fortunate. But we have learned, since the unfortunate event, that other people are truly giving,” Colton told Military.com.
The incident has, however, galvanized the community during a time of year when empathy is often on display.
“In the last couple of days, there has been an outpouring of support that warms my heart,” Colton said. “I hope when this is over that we have a lot more toys for these children than we would have, had the theft not occurred. And, indeed, we will do everything we can to make sure that the children don’t lose out because of this.”
Colton’s office said staff relocated the donation box deeper inside the office following the theft so it could be monitored more closely.
A Marine Corps Program Serving Families Nationwide
Toys for Tots operates thousands of local collection campaigns across the country each year, many of them coordinated by Marine reservists and volunteers who oversee donation drives, warehouse sorting, and distribution in their communities.
The program delivers holiday gifts to millions of children annually and relies heavily on community trust to ensure toys placed in local collection boxes reach families before Christmas.
Local donation boxes serve as the backbone of the Toys for Tots distribution system, allowing residents, businesses and military families to contribute toys that are later sorted and delivered within the same community. When toys are taken from those collection points, it can reduce available inventory and complicate last-minute distribution efforts—especially as deadlines approach for getting gifts into the hands of children.
Neighbors Voice Anger Over Toy Theft
People who live and work near the office said the theft struck a nerve during the holiday season.
“That’s sad,” a man named Ralph told Military.com. “This is not the time of the year for that. Somebody’s going to be suffering because of that.”
Another resident, Estelle, said the incident reflects a broader pattern she has noticed of a rise in neighborhood thefts.
“I use doorbell cameras now, and I’m seeing constantly how many things are being stolen off of people’s porches,” she told Military.com.
Others said the fact the toys were intended for neighborhood children made the theft feel especially personal.
The New York Police Department said it does not currently have a report connected to the theft.
“There is no report on file with the information provided,” an NYPD spokesperson told Military.com.
Officials did not say whether surveillance cameras inside or near the office captured the incident.
Colton’s office said toy donations are still being accepted during regular business hours through Dec. 19.
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14 Comments
I’m curious to know more about the security measures that were in place at Rep. Colton’s office, as the donation box was initially placed near the front entrance and later moved inside after the theft was discovered.
The fact that the Toys for Tots program operates thousands of local collection campaigns across the country each year, many of them coordinated by Marine reservists and volunteers, is a remarkable example of community service and dedication to helping those in need.
It’s disconcerting to think that the theft of toys from Rep. Colton’s office may not be an isolated incident, and I hope that the Marine Toys for Tots Foundation and local law enforcement are taking steps to prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future.
The theft of toys from Rep. William Colton’s office in Brooklyn is especially disheartening given that the Toys for Tots program delivers holiday gifts to millions of children annually, relying on community trust to ensure the toys reach families before Christmas.
It’s heartbreaking to think that someone would steal from a program that brings so much joy to children in need, especially during the holiday season.
I’m concerned that the theft of toys from Rep. Colton’s office may have a ripple effect on the community’s trust in the Toys for Tots program, and I hope that the community can come together to rebuild and strengthen that trust.
It’s alarming that the theft occurred just days before the toys were scheduled to be picked up and distributed to local children, and I hope the community can rally together to replace the stolen toys and make sure every child has a wonderful holiday.
The fact that the donation box was stolen from the district office of a lawmaker who represents District 47 in Brooklyn highlights the need for increased awareness and support for programs like Toys for Tots, which rely on community trust and generosity to succeed.
Perhaps this incident can serve as a catalyst for increased community engagement and support for the program, which would be a positive outcome in an otherwise unfortunate situation.
The outpouring of support from the community following the theft is a testament to the spirit of giving and kindness that defines the holiday season, and it’s wonderful to see people coming together to make sure the children don’t lose out because of this incident.
The image of U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Steven Sanchez loading toys into a semi-truck during a Toys for Tots event in Libertyville, Illinois, is a powerful reminder of the impact that this program has on communities nationwide.
Rep. Colton’s statement that the community has learned that other people are truly giving since the unfortunate event is a great reminder that even in the face of adversity, there is always an opportunity for kindness and generosity to shine through.
I’m skeptical about the decision to move the donation box deeper inside the office following the theft, as it may discourage people from donating if it’s not easily accessible.
However, it’s also understandable that the staff wants to ensure the safety and security of the donated toys, and perhaps there are other ways to balance accessibility with security.