MARGATE – The Milton & Betty Katz Jewish Community Center, 501 N. Jerome Avenue in Margate, will once again host Jon Simon’s Boxx for Tots holiday toy collection drive from now until December 22, 2014.
According to Katz JCC Personal Trainer Jon Simon, last year the event collected more than 3,500 toys for area children and were distributed to charities including Jewish Family Service, The Division of Youth and Family Services (DYFS) of Atlantic County, Our Lady Star of the Sea Roman Catholic Church of Atlantic City, and directly to local families in need.
“Collecting toys through my boxing classes began ten years ago when I saw that the Toys for Tots collection program in my area was not getting the attention it deserved,” Simon said. “So instead of collecting my usual fee for the boxing class that year, I told my participants to bring in a toy for the kids – because every kid needs a new toy.”
According to Simon, the interest in donating has grown each year so he extended the toy collection beyond his special boxing class events and began collecting toys as early as November 28.
Toy donations can be brought to the Katz JCC Front Desk.
Additionally, on December 16 and 18 at 7 p.m. and December 19 at 12 p.m., participants of Simon’s boxing class may bring in a new unwrapped toy and the class fee will be waived.
Kids can also participate in giving this holiday and bring in a toy during the KIDZ fit boxing class on December 15 at 4 p.m.
The event held in the Katz JCC auditorium brought more than 120 boxing enthusiasts together for an “epic event” featuring a live DJ Paul Laup of Atlantic City and violinist D. Sharpe.
“We are happy once again to support Jon’s efforts in collecting toys for area children and have given him the necessary tools to do so,” Chief Operating Officer of the Katz JCC Marg Mancuso said. “Regardless of race, religion or national origin, the Katz JCC aims to reach the entire community in any way we can. We hope the toys Jon collects and distributes helps put a smile on many children’s faces.”
For more information about the Milton & Betty Katz JCC visit www.jccatlantic.org or call 609-822-1167.