Watermill Hosts Toys for Tots Fundraiser to Kick Off Holidays

Dozens of local families helped Watermill Caterers kick off the holiday season in the true spirit of giving on Monday night. 

The Watermill Caterers hosted its first U.S. Marines Corps Reserve Toys for Tots drive on Monday night at its Smithtown catering hall. Local families kicked off the holiday season by donating an unwrapped toy to the cause, before enjoying photos with Santa Clause and holiday desserts. 

"There are many local families who are in need every year, we are proud to be able to help them," said Joseph Zangri, managing partner of Watermill Caterers. "This is Watermill's first year hosting a toy drive, andn with the huge success that it is, it will not be our last." 

Marine Sgt. Shane Larkin, Suffolk coordinator for U.S. Marine Toy for Tots, said the nonprofit organization will be attempting to do more with less this 2013 holiday season. 

"Our budget is actually at 40 percent of what it was last year... and we've had more toy requests that ever," Larkin said. 

Although Toys for Tots asks for all aid requests by Dec. 1, Larkin said he is still receiving countless phone calls from large organizations, like Suffolk County Social Services department, down to small community churches seeking to bring a smile to children in needy families. 

"I haven't tallied the number of requests up yet as I'm still getting phone calls. We'll probably still continue getting phone calls, but we'll have to set a limit at some point," he said. 

Watermill Caterers and Sgt. Larkin recognized local U.S. Marine  Stephen Bartoszak, a reservist with the 2nd Battalion 25th Marines Logistics Office, for his continued service to the nation and his community. 

Bartoszak, of Centereach, has served with the U.S. Marines since 2005 after completing  Officer Candidates School at MCB Quantico, VA. He has served multiple tours of duty overseas in Iraq, Afghanistan and Africa. His awards include the  Meritorious Service Medal, Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal, and the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal with gold star. 

"In the Marine Corp, we spend a lot of time getting out and interacting with the communities in other countries. It's especially great when I am able to do it in my hometown. I can effect families I grew up with, families who were friends mine," Bartoszak said. 

He personally remembered a childhood with parents who often worked multiple jobs to make ends meet and ensure Christmas was a joyous celebration. Bartoszak said he lends a hand with Marines Toys for Tots program when not deployed to make sure other children get the same opportunity. 

"It's nice to be able to give back, especially in your local community," Bartoszak said. 

Those willing to donate unwrapped gifts for children to the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots can drop them off at participating Toys 'R' Us, Walgreens, Ruby Tuesday and Capital One Bank locations. All toys donated in Suffolk County go to children in Suffolk County, according to Larkin.