15th Annual Eastie’s Elves Set for Friday

The 15th Annual Eastie’s Elves fundraiser, a yearly tradition that draws more than 500 people to the Christmas toy drive, will kick off Friday, Dec.7, at the Hyatt Boston Harbor at 6 p.m. The price of admission is one unwrapped toy that will be donated to a local non-profit agency.

Rep. Adrian Madaro took over the reigns of the annual holiday event from former Sen. Anthony Petruccelli after Petruccelli left office..

“Keeping this tradition alive once Sen. Petruccelli left office was a no brainer,” said Madaro. “We formed the Madaro Family Community Fund and really didn’t change anything to the overall event. The toys that are donated will still benefit the communities of East Boston, Revere, Winthrop and the North End. My family and I look forward to another successful Eastie’s Elves on Friday and hope many from the community help support this important fundraiser again this year.”

The annual fundraiser to raise toys for low-income families in Eastie and other neighborhoods was started by Petruccelli when he served in the House and continued through his years in the Senate.

Over the years Eastie’s Elves has collected thousands of toys that are later dropped off to agencies like the East Boston Social Centers, the YMCA, Crossroads Family Shelter, and the Salesian Boys & Girls Club.

Madaro said this event has always had two major objectives. The first and most obvious is being able to gather as many toys as the event possibly can for families and children that are in need during the holiday season. The second, said Madaro, is to bring together the Eastie community to celebrate the holiday season with one another.

“For me this event represents the true spirit of the holiday season,” said Madaro. “It’s a time for giving and a time to help one another. I’m so proud of this community year after year when it comes together and supports a cause that has a tremendous impact on hundreds of local families and children.”

Like years past there will be singing of carols by the East Boston Central Catholic Choir, a holiday meal of with all the trimmings and the satisfaction of knowing you are helping put a smile on the faces of local children.

Last year Eastie’s Elves collected nearly a thousand toys for families and more than $2,500 that was used to buy gift certificates at Shaw’s Supermarket so families wouldn’t go hungry during the Holiday Season.

In years past, items like bicycles, toy trucks, remote control cars and plenty of clothing item shows the generosity of residents as the holidays begin.

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