Laffey launches holiday toy drive.

The Laffey Family of Companies has announced the kick-off of the 1st Annual Easter Sealed With a Gift Holiday Toy Drive to benefit the children of the New York Chapter of Easter Seals.

Beginning November 22, each office in the Laffey Family of Companies will unveil a Toy Box, specially decorated by the children, ready and waiting to be filled with Holiday Goodies. This program will run from November 22 until December 20, when the toys will be brought up to the children at the New York Facility and given out at their Holiday Party.

"We have dedicated ourselves 100% to Easter Seals. Our firm, part of the Century 21 franchise system, is currently the Number #1 fundraising organization on the eastern seaboard. Last year, we contributed over $20,000 which went directly to the facility to help pay for programs and equipment. This year, our goal of $30,000 is even more challenging. We are nearly there and I am confident, we can do it," said Philip C. Laffey, president of Laffey Associates and board member of the New York Chapter of Easter Seals.

"In addition to raising funds, we wanted to create greater awareness of the children's needs. This new holiday gift program will spotlight those needs. Plus, it gives everyone in the communities we serve the chance to be a part of a wonderful event, and bring smiles to the kids in a huge way."

John McGrath, vice president of organizational development, Easter Seals New York, is spearheading this drive with the Laffey Family of Companies.

McGrath has worked closely with the Facility director to provide a recommended toys list as well as those items not appropriate for the kids. "Serving children with special needs is part of Easter Seals' daily mission. We are grateful for the philanthropic spirit that is present at Laffey Associates and the support they provide to our organization's programs throughout the year. The holidays can be especially difficult for less fortunate children but we are certain that the toys they receive from Easter Sealed With A Gift will make their holidays bright."

Unwrapped toys can be delivered to any one of the Century 21 Laffey Associates or Coldwell Banker Laffey Associates branches in Nassau & Queens. Visit the website at www.laffey.com for the closest branch location. The facility has asked that toys with small pieces, noise, or batteries and playdough or crayons be considered inappropriate. Conversely, toys like pop-ups, shape sorters, big cars, dolls and large sized legos as well as children's books are a wonderful assortment to give to the kids.

The Firm has reached out to the community and asked for corporate sponsors of the decorated toy boxes tied to the Holiday Toy Drive.

"We are looking for community support" explained Elaine Lupo, vice president of corporate affairs, adding, "Anyone, personally or as a corporation can participate."

Laffey Associates has been a supporter of Easter Seals for three years. As one of the premier franchise sponsors, the firm's contributions have increased annually through events like the Jones Beach Walk-a-Thon, the annual Laffey Bowl-a-Thon and now the Holiday Toy Drive. For more information, call Elaine Lupo at 516-626-1500.