Toys of Hope is a 501 © (3) not-for-profit organization that collects and distributes toys, clothing, books and more to the children and families in need on Long Island . Toys of Hope was founded in 1994 by Melissa Doktofsky, who believes that all children, regardless of financial status, race, religion or nationality, are deserving of those things which can help give them a happier and more fulfilling life. We believe in giving only brand new items to our families to ensure self esteem and a sense of pride. We believe that we can't truly help a child unless we help their family. With this in mind, we help children, their families and their pets. A very unique, yet simple, concept.

• Toys of Hope is unique on Long Island in that it is run completely by volunteers. There is no paid staff.
• 100% of all donations are used to help needy children, their families and their pets.
• Office space and storage space is donated or rent is sponsored by organizations, private donors and local businesses.
• Toys of Hope has donated storage in Farmingville and Mineola and a sponsored warehouse in Huntington
• The charity delivery van is sponsored by businesses and civic groups annually
• The warehouse program gives another opportunity for sponsorship
• Toys of Hope operates all year long, distributing toys, clothing, books and new school supplies.
• Toys of Hope supplies new toys, warm winter clothing and needed items to 50,000 children, including those in hospitals, shelters and soup kitchens.
• An example of one of our many valued programs is the Tennis Program. The Tennis Program provides tennis lessons to children in need. Many of the students are encouraged to apply for tennis scholarships to further their education. The program fosters self-esteem, self-discipline, and physical capability in children and adolescents.
• ANOTHER EXAMPLE IS:

Toys of Hope's unique program, "Out for a Day," provides a day of fun and recreation for children and their families. Some of the places and events that families have been treated to include: baseball games at Stadiums; Off-Broadway shows; the circus at the Nassau Coliseum; local museums and historical sites; the Bronx Zoo; comedy shows; arcades; the Long Island Game Farm; aquariums; college sporting events; and a trip to see the Rockefeller Center Christmas tree. The cost of a day at a ballpark or movie theatre can be prohibitively expensive for a family that is struggling to pay their monthly bills. This program provides the whole family a memorable experience that they can treasure. The parents and their children have a chance to enjoy being together without the stress of having to use money from their household expenses. Toys of Hope pays for admission tickets, snacks and souvenirs. Toys of Hope has treated families as small as three, and groups of up to fifty children and adults, to the "Out for a Day" program.

• The children helped come from homeless or low-income families; many are "at-risk" children from single-parent households and shelters who otherwise would not be able to afford to buy gifts and supplies for their children.
• In addition, case workers, school nurses and other non profits refer families to us.
• We help families based on need, focussing on the poorest of the poor especially homeless children.
• Toys of Hope distributes a wish list and opportunities for local businesses to adopt families.
• "Poor Paws" program was created when families stated that they eat less to keep their pet. The charity gives companion animals, pet food, supplies and vet care so families can keep their beloved pets.
• Toys of Hope received "National" recognition for our work with Hurricane Katrina families and animals across the country, featured on NBC news
• We host many parties throughout the year, and Oheka Castle is our premier event featuring celebrities and high profile sponsorship opportunities.
• Our 14th Annual Toys of Hope Holiday Party at Oheka Castle served 300 children from local daycare centers and preschools, who each had a chance to meet Santa Claus, The 911 Firemen, Donovan Patton, star of Nickelodeon's Blues Clues, Broadway star John Tataglia star of Disneys Beauty and the Beast, Jet football players and the Islanders who all helped each child go home from the party with a bag full of toys.
• Country singer Martina McBride allowed Toys of Hope children to sing on stage at Nassau Colliseum at her concert and hosted an island wide toy drive
• Toys of Hope has been proudly honored with a special award from the Governor of New York.
• Toys of Hope was the recipient of the prestigious Martin Luther King Award.