Twenty-five years of holiday toys

For John Theissen, the holiday season is an eventful time of the year. Whether he’s keeping an extensive inventory of the thousands of toys he’s collected for sick children or organizing birthday parties for youngsters in need, it’s always busy at John Theissen Children’s Foundation on Wantagh Avenue — even late at night.

When few people remain in the building and all is finally quiet, though, Thiessen has heard a faint pitter-patter in the hallway. He said he believes the sound is the footsteps of all the spirits of kids he has helped since founding his charity 25 years ago. 

“It’s crazy,” said Theissen, a 45-year-old North Wantagh native, “but I know it’s just a sign from the children, letting me know that what I’m doing is really making a difference.”

Theissen is known as “the toy man” in Wantagh-Seaford for the work that he’s done in the past two decades. South Shore resident are currently gathering donations for one of his organization’s biggest initiatives: the annual holiday toy drive, which will run through Dec. 22. 

After looking through archived newspaper clippings and old photographs of toys stacked on his front lawn from his first few drives, Theissen said the enormity of the anniversary hit him. He also expressed gratitude to his neighbors, who he said helped get the foundation started. 

“Between Wantagh, Levittown and Seaford … the communities have just been so supportive,” he said. “The foundation has really enabled me to help any sick child nearby or even anywhere on the Island, and I’m honored to do that.”

Theissen founded the JTCF with the goal of bringing toys to sick and underprivileged children in hospitals and child-care facilities. Since then, the JTCF has collected more than 920,000 new toys, in addition to contributing therapeutic and recreational equipment to children in need.

Theissen said that he was inspired to start his nonprofit after his own hospitalization. He learned that he had a brain tumor on Sept. 28, 1988. 

While he was treated, Theissen befriended a 7-year-old girl named Tasha. According to Theissen, she “lacked a strong support system” and rarely had visitors. 

Theissen’s family cared for Tasha and accompanied her to the yearly children’s hospital holiday party, even though Theissen’s illness prevented his own attendance. During the party, Tasha used her one request to Santa Claus on him; she wished Theissen had a teddy bear. Her generous spirit was the inspiration behind JTCF.

In 1992, the first JTCF toy drive was held to benefit children in local hospitals during the holiday season. Theissen collected more than 800 new toys at his North Wantagh home in two weeks. More than two decades later, the drive brings in close to 80,000 toys annually, Theissen said. 

“I’ve always taken this day by day,” he said. “I never have a goal when it comes to collecting toys. I just want to make sure that I’m able to help out every child that asks or writes me a letter.”

Donations have enabled the JTCF to provide televisions, video game systems, electronics, arts and crafts supplies, gift cards and more to local children throughout the years. After the JTCF center opened in 2006 on Wantagh Avenue, the toy drive became an even larger community project. 

“We really don’t try to limit it,” Theissen noted. “Some kids are so needy that all they really want is a winter coat instead of a toy.”

Terri Rodman, 50, of Seaford, said she has been involved with the foundation for 12 years. “It’s a great feeling,” she said. “It’s a good jump start to the holiday season, helping to fulfill the wish lists.”

Rodman is one of 20 core volunteers who help spread Theissen’s cause to local businesses and the Wantagh, Levittown and Seaford school districts, according to Theissen. The foundation “really has expanded,” Rodman said. “The communities are so giving and it’s nice to see the children’s facial expressions when they come down to the center.”

Hundreds of volunteers, supporters and celebrities gathered at Mulchay’s Pub and Concert Hall on Dec. 1 to celebrate the charity’s 25th anniversary at the annual JCTF holiday gala. WBAB Radio’s Roger and JP hosted an auction to raise money for the charity. Mets and Yankees star Darryl Strawberry, former Mets manager and player Bobby Valentine and “Long Island Medium,” Theresa Caputo, also appeared.   

Although it has been a quarter of a century, Theissen said he has no plans to slow down. Collecting toys and brainstorming ways to make the foundation grow come naturally to him now, he explained. 

“I don’t think too much about why I do this,” Theissen said. “I want to give hope to children and give hope to their families, and like I always say, ‘A smile is the best medicine.’”