Thursday, October 1, 2026
Joseph Gallart, a longtime Merrick resident and community volunteer, has once again spread holiday cheer, collecting more than 11,200 toys this year through his nonprofit, Desirae’s Darlings, in honor of his late daughter.
The annual toy drive, operating in its third year as a formal nonprofit, ensures children in need receive gifts during the holiday season. Gallart, who began collecting toys in 2016, said this year’s efforts featured a sold-out comedy show at the Bell Playhouse and a unique collaboration with local TikTok influencer Mike Ventura, who helped gather more than 800 toys from his followers.
“This year was amazing,” Gallart said. “We had 73 people at our house for breakfast and what I call a ‘load and go.’ It was electric. Every box I pick up has Desirae’s picture on it. Every time I mention the charity, her name is constantly on people’s lips.”
In addition to community collections, local schools contributed to the effort. Seaford Manor Elementary School students donated dozens of new toys in a student-driven campaign that ran from Nov. 24 to Dec. 10. The student council held a holiday sing-along near the collection boxes on the last afternoon.
“Joe and his family are near and dear to my heart, so when the opportunity came to connect a cause, I truly believe in with students who have some of the biggest hearts in the world, it was a no-brainer,” Richard Schwartz, assistant principal at Seaford Manor wrote to the Herald. “Our Viking community has always shown that when they put their mind and heart into something, the sky is the limit.
“In Desirae’s honor, our students were able to collect an incredible number of toys for families in need,” he continued. “This effort was entirely student-driven through our Student Council, guided by their dedicated advisors, Lisa Perrone and Lisa Nelson.”
Nelson and Perrone, along with student council members, made signs that were hung around the school to promote the toy drive. “It was a lot of toys,” Nelson said.
We are so grateful for everyone who donated and helped spread cheer to the less fortunate,”. Student council members Danny Cronin and Lucia Ingenito, both fifth graders, enjoyed helping people in need during the holiday season.
“It went really good,” Cronin said of the toy drive, to which he and his younger brother donated. “It was a good way to give back to the community. It’s important because people for the holidays all deserve something, and it’s a good time to bring joy to everybody.”
All of the donations collected at Manor were picked up by Gallart and will go to the U.S. Marine Corps’ Toys for Tots program.
Gallart’s toy drive also supports other national and local organizations, including Cohen Children’s Medical Center and the Glen Cove Economic Opportunity Council, which distributes toys year-round for birthdays and holidays. Gallart personally delivered donations to Ronald McDonald House in New Hyde Park and other community centers.
Gallart described the annual effort as a way to keep his daughter’s memory alive. Desirae Gallart died in 2010 at age 24.
“It keeps it alive,” he said. “Most of the people who donate never met her, but through the stories and the work we do, they get to know who she was.”
Volunteers, ranging from longtime supporters to parents teaching their children about giving, helped load and transport toys to Nassau Coliseum for distribution.
“The parents are so appreciative. It’s a lesson for kids — Christmas isn’t just about receiving; it’s about giving,” Gallart said. He hopes to expand the toy drive further in the coming years, envisioning outreach, and distribution events in partnership with larger organizations.
“Every year I try to get one more toy,” he said. “The goal is to keep growing and involve even more people in giving back.”Since formalizing the nonprofit in 2023, Gallart has distributed more than 26,000 toys, with this year’s total pushing the annual record past 11,200.
