Merchants of Third Avenue give back to HeartShare at annual party

The Bay Ridge Merchants of Third Avenue celebrated the holidays with a giving spirit on Monday, December 19 as its annual holiday party and Toys for Tots event kicked off.

To get into the coveted event, held at the brand-new Brooklyn Firefly, 7003 Third Avenue, attendees were not asked to spend money on a ticket, but, instead, to bring one or more new, unwrapped toys – donations to go to deserving children through HeartShare St. Vincent’s Services.

“I think it was a very successful party,” said President of the Merchants of Third Avenue Robert Howe. “We were celebrating the merchants having another year where we’re still on the avenue and giving thanks to the community, and we thank the community by collecting gifts on behalf of HeartShare St. Vincent’s Services.”

In choosing this year’s charity, Howe said the group selected HeartShare “Because they are a charity operating in Brooklyn since the 1860s and they do incredible work with families and children who have very dire and extreme needs. It was very gratifying to honor them and we’re happy that they’re getting some recognition in the community.”