Police roll into Centereach for Teddies for Happiness toy drive Oct. 4

The 3rd Annual Long Island Law Enforcement Charity Touch-A-Truck Toy Drive is happening Saturday, Oct. 4, at Levitt Ballfield Park in Centereach.

Hosted by Teddies For Happiness, the free community event invites families to donate a new toy, which will benefit children in hospitals, women’s shelters and families who rely on food pantries.

In return, guests can interact with officers from 40-plus law enforcement agencies, look around and interact with a variety of law enforcement vehicles on display and catch live demonstrations — including a K9 showcase.

There will be law enforcement agencies from New York City to the East End; from the federal, military, state, county and municipal levels. The day also offers a chance for anyone curious about a career in law enforcement to connect with agencies and learn more.

Please follow Teddies For Happiness on social media @teddiesforhappiness.

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Teddies For Happiness Charitable Foundation was created in the late summer/early fall of 2023.  Teddies For Happiness Founder, Landan Hoenig, had originally come up with an idea to start a charity toy collection with law enforcement agencies while interning with a local Long Island town police department.

While trying to figure out how to go about doing a charity toy collection, Our founder paused the idea to wait until the summer to truly work to make a great charity and host great charity events.  Teddies For Happiness is oriented on helping bring joy to children in underprivileged situations through donations of toys and to also bring some fun and happy events to the community. 

Over the next few years, Teddies For Happiness, is planning on adding a few more fun charity events helping the community that is in need while also connecting our first responders and the community. Keep reading …

— photos from 2024 drive courtesy of Teddies for Happiness