Mayor accepts gift card donations for annual Toy Drive

Everett community members donated $1,700 worth of gift cards

Special to The Advocate

EVERETT – Mayor Carlo DeMaria recently met with a group of Everett community members to accept $1,700 worth of gift cards for the City of Everett’s annual Toy Drive. The gift cards were gathered at a party at Abbondanza Ristorante hosted by the owner of Sabatino/Mastrocola Insurance, Rocco Longo. The party was a result of him winning a 50/50 raffle at the Ersilia Cataldo 5K Memorial Walk in October, where he immediately donated half of the winnings back to the Orange Rose Foundation and then used the remaining winnings to host this party.

The guest list consisted of Ersilia’s family, local business owners, elected officials, City employees and people who have shared a lifelong commitment to the Everett community through different Everett organizations and causes for many years. Everyone on the guest list brought gift cards with them for the purpose of being donated to the City’s Toy Drive that will be given to Everett families in need this holiday season. Together, they raised $1,700 worth of gift cards that will go a long way in helping many Everett families have a more joyous holiday season.

“I am proud to say that this wonderful group includes family members and close friends of mine, and I would like to thank all of them for their generosity given in the true spirit of Christmas,” said Mayor DeMaria. “These gift cards will go a long way in helping Everett families in need to be able to celebrate the season.”

As a reminder, if you would like to help support Everett families in need of assistance this holiday season, donations of new and unwrapped toys can be dropped off on the first floor of Everett City Hall (484 Broadway) during regular business hours. For more information, please call 617-394-2270.