COBA Hosts Toy Drive to Help Long Beach Organization

The Nassau County Sheriff’s Correction Officers Benevolent Association (COBA) will kick off it's toy drive on Wednesday to help replace gifts, collected by the Knights of Columbus of Long Beach, that were damaged in a fire at the organization's council building on Dec. 9.

COBA will be collecting the toys for its invitation-only holiday party for Long Beach children and families on Dec. 22.

Greg Lanning, a delegate with COBA and an Oceanside Knight of Columbus member, said that COBA was happy to lend a hand.

"We were approached by the Knights of Columbus and they inquired about our ability to help spread some holiday cheer," Lanning said. "We wanted to step in and make sure the Knights of Columbus can do what they want to do with out help."

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The Knights of Columbus collected a number of toys for local children who lost everything after Hurricane Sandy and most of those items were destroyed during the blaze.

Lanning said that something had to be done to help an organization that gives so much back to its community.

"I remember reading an article after the fire and a person in the article said that the Knights of Columbus was a 'beacon of light' during Hurricane Sandy and that they gave residents food and shelter," Lanning said. "What happens when a place that gives so much to the community is now in need. We had to do something."

Unwrapped toys and monetary donations can be dropped off at COBA headquarters at 504 East Meadow Ave. until Friday. Items can be donated on Wednesday from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Thursday and Friday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.