Bringing Joy to Harlem Shelters Toy Drive

Brian Taylor is organizing this fundraiser.

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My name is Brian Taylor better known as The Dog Father of Harlem and owner of Harlem Doggie Day Spa. Harlem Doggie Day Spa is a beloved doggie spa in Harlem. Our mission is to bring people together through the love of animals. As a resident and business owner in the community, I have a very soft heart for young children whose families are having hard time providing during the holiday season. I am teaming up with Travel’n Melanin whose mission is to travel, inspire, and serve. Travel’n Melanin has done several give back projects in Harlem in the past 3 years to service the community. Some projects include: Brown Bags for Those in Need, Warm Soles Sock Drive, and Travel’n Melanin’s Laptop Giveaway.

It is undeniable that being a parent at any income level is difficult, and raising children at or below the poverty line makes that job a bit harder. Despite the love and closeness families may have, the holiday season is a time of year where there may not be many or any toys because it may be an expense the family can``not afford.

Recent Studies done by Coalition of Homeless :

There are 14,946 homeless children sleeping each night in the New York City municipal shelter system. In 2020, more than 39,300 children slept in the shelters and these numbers are expected to go up based on current trends.

Families just need basic survival needs like socks, backpacks, and clothing. Meeting the Needs of Unsheltered New Yorkers: Policy Recommendations.

Just by doing a simple google search, there are over 18 shelters in Harlem alone. Our goal is to help bring joy to some of the kids in these shelters. It’s hard to imagine that some kids between the ages of 3 to 16 probably won’t get a Christmas gift or an essential for the winter season.

This holiday season we are raising money for a toy drive and essential gifts in hopes of “Bringing Joy to Harlem Shelters.” This fundraiser which will be based in Harlem has the purpose of giving back to those within the community, specifically those who are living in shelters. We are committing to support over 100 families in shelters by providing toys or an essential to their children. Our hope is to bring joy and put smiles upon the faces of families who are in need.

To accomplish this, we are looking to raise $5,000 to buy toys and survival essentials to families in the Harlem shelter system. Every donation helps get a toy or basic survival essential.