By Cary Shuman
Rep. Adrian Madaro and the Madaro Family Community Fund will host the 21st Annual Eastie’s Elves Toy Drive and Celebration Friday, Dec. 13 at the Hyatt Regency Boston Harbor.
Madaro became the lead organizer of Eastie’s Elves in 2016 after former state senator Anthony Petruccelli personally asked Madaro to succeed him at the helm of the charitable endeavor.
The event has continued to grow under Madaro’s leadership, and because of the generous support of small businesses, non-profit groups, and individual donors in East Boston, Winthrop, and Revere, Madaro said that the Fund will be able to distribute thousands of toys to children in the area and thousands of dollars in gift cards to local families.
“We distributed several thousand toys last year, and it was our largest holiday drive to date,” said Madaro, who is assisted in the immense effort by his wife, attorney at-law Ariel Glantz Madaro, and his parents, Jacopo Madaro and Debra Cave. “We have a good team. But we cannot do this without all our partners across the community and without the generosity of so many residents who take time out of their busy lives to drop off toys at our collection locations or show up at Eastie’s Elves. Our events are only successful because of the generosity and support of the community.”
With the assistance of “Elf Helpers” (student volunteers from East Boston High School), the toys will be distributed Saturday.
Madaro said admission to Friday’s Eastie’s Elves gala consists of one new unwrapped toy for a child in need. Guests will enjoy a buffet-style meal, a performance by 7 Day Weekend band, and a raffle drawing.
Sen. Lydia Edwards, City Councilor Gabriela Coletta Zapata, and Rep. Jeff Turco are among the Bronze Sponsors of the event. Mayor Michelle Wu and other dignitaries are expected to attend the celebration.
“I congratulate Rep. Madaro for another successful Eastie’s Elves,” said Edwards. “This tradition brings the best out of all of us. I know we are going to make so many children happy this holiday season.”
Continuing a Thanksgiving tradition last month, Rep. Madaro organized a successful community dinner, distributing 200 turkeys to residents and preparing more than 1,000 meals for residents at the Salesian Boys and Girls Club.
Madaro was re-elected state representative Nov. 5 and will be inaugurated in January.