Nassau officials, business people, a retired Marine and Santa Claus himself were in Uniondale Thursday to announce the urgent need for donations during this year’s Toys for Tots drive.

On Sunday, Dec. 6 – a drive-thru toy drive will be held outside the Nassau Coliseum from 9 a.m. until noon.

The Marines are hoping to break last year’s record of 55,000 unwrapped toys donated – especially since the COVID-19 pandemic has put many families into a difficult financial spot. 

“The mission of Toys for Tots this year is really more important than ever,” says County Executive Laura Curran. “Making sure that children get the proper holiday spirit and gifts bringing a smile to their faces, making them smile, giving them a sense of normalcy.”

The toy drive was initiated in 2010 by Jon Holzer and Joe LaPadula of Glen Cove-based Martino Auto Concepts.