Thompson's two-week toy campaign - which ended December 19th - generated more than 1,000 gifts from dozens of New Yorkers, from stuffed animals to board games to children's books.

"New Yorkers have shown their heart by donating so many gifts," Comptroller Thompson said. "I am so grateful that through donations both big and small we will be able to make so many children happy this season."

Comptroller Thompson delivered toys to the pediatric ward at Woodhull Hospital in Brooklyn, several city homeless shelters and the Salvation Army.

During a recent visit to the Dominican Republic, Thompson offered to assist in a local holiday toy drive led by Santo Domingo Mayor Roberto Salcedo. That toy drive is assisting 5,000 needy children in the region. The Comptroller's Office is sending 500 donated toys to Santo Domingo.

Thompson lauded the New York businesses and residents who donated gifts. Among the contributors were: Assemblyman Adriano Espaillat of Manhattan, Assemblyman Jose Peralta of Queens, the South Bronx Board of Trade, Manhattan Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, Isabella Geriatric Center, Goodwill Industries of Greater New York and Northern New Jersey, Inc., Con Edison, businessmen Gilbert Rivera, Bill Howard, Mario DeGiorgio and Vincent Valentino.

"I am just glad to contribute in spreading a little holiday cheer to so many children in New York City as well as those in my homeland of the Dominican Republic," Espaillat said.

Thompson added: "In such a short period of time, we were able to collect thousands of toys. This was so successful that I look forward to gathering just as many - if not more - next year."

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