A tradition of supporting their community

Its that time of the year. We try to give back as much as we can.”

Shawn Sabel Owner of the Irish Pub in Baldwin

The Irish Pub in Baldwin hosted their toy drive and car show event to raise funds for a Baldwin local for the holidays this weekend.

Shawn Sabel, owner of the Irish Pub, hosted his annual toy drop off and the Hot Rod Association car show and breakfast, in partner with Toys for Tots, a nationwide toy drive for children who’s parents cannot afford to buy them toys for the holiday sponsored by the U.S. Marine Corps, at the Irish Pub located on 834 Merrick Rd. on a rainy Sunday morning on Dec. 12.

“Its that time of the year,” said Sabel. “We try to give back as much as we can.”

Sabel said every year, he and The Irish Pub try to help Baldwin families in need and support the Toys for Toy’s toy drive by collecting boxes of toys and monetary donations at his pub for the holidays. Last year he said they chose to support the Erin Brown, a Baldwin resident who suffers from a liver disease, and her family.

Last year Erin Brown told a Baldwin Herald reporter that her treatment procedures include paracentesis, which drains fluid, which pools in the abdomen. Brown, in her late 40s, said every two to three weeks, doctors remove 9 liters of fluid and because of the frequency of this procedure, and Brown’s insurance stopped covering the procedures, because they told her she had exceeded the 32-service limit.

Last year, Sabel said, they were able to collect over 13 large boxes of toys, and monetary donations, which were donated to Erin Brown and Toys for Tots. This year, Sabel said they broke last year’s record of monetary donations.

Guests were treated to Bloody Mary’s and breakfast at the pub starting at 9 a.m. and a 50/50 fundraising raffle. They then enjoyed a car show of 20 classic cars in the parking lot and live music.