More than 200 children’s toys were collected for the Toys for Tots Foundation drive at the District 40 state legislative holiday party last night in Wyckoff, announced state Sen. Kevin O’Toole (R-Bergen, Essex, Morris, and Passaic)

The event – co hosted by Assemblymen David Russo and Scott Rumana,  and featuring New Jersey Lt. Governor Kim Guadagno -- attracted more than 250 people to the Brick House restaurant. 

“I want to thank all the people who, through their generosity, helped brighten Christmas for some deserving boys or girls,” said O’Toole, who has been collecting toys for children for several years.

The toys collected at Tuesday night’s event will be going to the Paterson Community Development Corp. to be distributed to children in Paterson.

Russo said the toys will be welcome by families struggling through a difficult economy.

“It’s been a tough financial year for many people across America and throughout New Jersey and I’m very proud that the supporters of the District 40 team stepped up to help bring a smile to some children’s faces,” said Russo, of Ridgewood.

Rumana said he was impressed by the show of support for underprivileged children through a recognized charity that has a proven track record of helping children.  “The fact that our District 40 supporters were able to help the Toys For Tots organization bring happiness to parents and children on Christmas morning is very gratifying to me as legislator and as a parent,” said Rumana.