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11/27/2022 02:35 PMSanta has a special helper organizing the Madison Toy Drive this holiday season. Holly Berke is the executive assistant for Chief of Police Jack Drumm, but she's also Head Elf in charge of making sure gifts are available for Madison residents who may be struggling.
The Madison Toy Drive has been helping those in need for more than 25 years, according to Holly, and she says there is a great sense of responsibility in that. Holly says the compassion of Madison residents always shines through during the drive.
“People are so incredibly generous in this town. We have one local builder who, every year, his daughter is a buyer, and, every year, he donates a whole assortment of winter coats. He and his family are just incredible,” Holly says. “I didn’t know what to expect last year because it was my first year doing it, and a couple of people really stuck out because they said, ‘I didn’t know what I was going to do for Christmas’. The stories of the families we meet are so touching and heartwarming. We have another woman who is incredibly sweet and knits hats every year for the Drive."
Though every donation is appreciated and crucial for the event’s success, Holly says providing age-appropriate gifts for tweens and teens is something she is focusing on this season.
“This is my second year doing it, and I am changing it up a little bit for this one,” Holly says. “Everyone wants to give toys for the little ones, and great and we truly appreciate that, but the people who are moving into town, and are on the list to help, are not necessarily families with just little kids. They have other ages as well. I look at it a bit differently because I’m a mom. If you’re a kid who's 13, you’re still a kid, and you look forward to the holidays and you want a present."
Holly doesn’t just collect checks and store donations. She coordinates closely with the folks at Madison Youth and Family Services who provide her with a list of families who might need a dose of compassion.
Holly takes the time to personally go out, research, and purchase gifts for families adding a special touch that can make a holiday memory.
“What I did last year and what we’re doing this year, is that I emailed all the moms or grandmothers, even granddads, and I ask, ‘What does your kid like? Tell me the sizes they wear. What colors do they like?’," Holly says. "I think it makes it much more personal than just giving out something for the sake of it. Two-year-olds are easy, they like pretty much anything, but for tweens and teens to find that special something that they really need and want is special.”
Holly adds, “I get our list from Youth and Family services, and it’s such a shame because we know there are even more families out there who need our help. I wish we could reach them all. I’m not sure that everyone knows about Youth and Family and what they do. They really provide essential services for our town.”
Holly says the Drive is often so successful that they become a provider to other organizations and drives as well. Faith Tremblay and her mother Lisa collect thousands of toys for the Yale New Haven Children’s Hospital Toy Closet and Child Life Program. The duo received donations from the Madison Toy Drive.
“We have helped Faith with her efforts. She and her mom do an incredible job with their drive," Holly says. "I also reach out to women’s shelters. I was never in a women’s shelter but I feel for them, so, there were a number of shelters we were able to drop off toys for.”
According to Holly, many folks may not recognize the economic difficulties facing some Madison residents. Especially this season, with rising food and fuel costs, Holly says there will more than likely be an even greater need than in the past.
“Let’s face it, life is expensive. You can be working two jobs and still not be making it. It can be so hard. Then it comes to Christmas, what does a parent do?” says Holly. “We even try to get stocking stuffers as well for everyone. I just don’t think some folks realize how in need some of their neighbors are. People will say to me, 'People in Madison need help?’ and I say, of course, they do. Madison is not all mansions and money. There are more people in need than people think. People who need a bit of help.
"But Madison is a great town, I raised my kids here, and I know how much they care," she adds. "It really feels like we are helping our community and see how grateful people are when they realize that they’ll be able to have a holiday this year. To see their relief that they won’t have to decide between heat, food, and Christmas gifts. Santa is still somehow supposed to come, so it is great to be able to help people. I was blown away by the generosity of the people of Madison. They really are just so generous.”
Holly notes that aside from Madison Youth and Family Services, the Madison Toy Drive receives support from a number of organizations, businesses, and schools.
“There are so many people and organizations involved — Ryerson Elementary School, the Madison Beach Hotel — so many that give to the Drive. They do their own drives and donate to us,” Holly added. “Madison is a community, and our community people like to help people. The Police Department has always felt strongly about giving back to the community. We service the community and this is an extension of that. Holidays are a special time of year and we just try to keep that magic going for some people who may not have it.”
For more information about the Holiday Toy Drive or to make a donation, email Holly at berkeh@madisonct.org or call 203-245-6502.