Thursday, October 1, 2026
Desirae’s Darlings — a charitable organization founded by Merrick resident Joe Gallart in honor of his late daughter, Desirae — will host two fundraisers in October, collecting toys for children in need and continuing its yearslong effort to bring holiday gifts to families across Long Island.
The organization hosts toy drives and fundraisers throughout the year, including its annual Christmas in July Pizza Toy Swap and the upcoming October Pizza Toy Swap. At the events, community members can drop off new toys or monetary donations at Gallart’s home while enjoying homemade pizza.
The two upcoming fundraisers are the fourth annual Desirae’s Darlings Comedy Night, which will be held on Oct. 9 at 8 p.m. at Governor’s Comedy Club in Levittown, and the Pizza Toy Swap, scheduled for Oct. 25, from 1 to 4 p.m., at 2057 Sherman Ave. in Merrick.
Gallart said the Pizza Toy Swap provides another opportunity for the community to support the organization — particularly those who may not be able to attend the comedy fundraiser.
Desirae’s Darlings officially got its start in 2016, when Gallart collected 21 toys, and the organization has turned the event into an annual effort, gathering more than 11,000 toys last year. Gallart was named Merrick Herald’s Person of the Year in 2024 for his fundraising efforts through Desirae’s Darlings.
The organization’s annual comedy fundraiser has become a significant part of its toy drive. Gallart said proceeds from last year’s event allowed him to purchase 2,285 new toys.
Desirae’s Darlings distributes toys through partnerships with organizations that serve children and families. In recent years, the organization has partnered with Cohen Children’s Medical Center and St. Mary’s Children’s Hospital in Bayside, Queens, where Gallart and his volunteers have delivered toys to children.
This year, Desirae’s Darlings is adding another recipient, MOMMAS House in Levittown, a nonprofit that helps young mothers and their children. Gallart said the organization holds an annual holiday party for mothers who have completed its program and their children, and Desirae’s Darlings plans to supply toys for the event.
Gallart's organization also partners with the Glen Cove Economic Opportunity Commission, providing toys for its annual children’s holiday party.
Irma Jeanty, the commission's program director, said the partnership began after the EOC’s work with Toys for Tots led to an introduction to Desirae’s Darlings.
“Let’s put it that they were miracles to us,” Jeanty said about Desirae’s Darlings.
Since then, Gallart and his volunteers have provided toys for children and families served by the EOC, which works with low-income families throughout the community. Jeanty said Gallart has personally delivered toys to the EOC and brought volunteers to help distribute them.
“It’s been a godsend,” Jeanty said. “He came in, and he brought other people to volunteer to help out.”
Gaitley Stevenson-Mathews, an advisory board member for the Glen Cove EOC, said he has been familiar with Desirae’s Darlings through its annual toy giveaway for about three years.
“They bring a giant amount of toys to be shared, which is a substantial gift when you recognize how many children there are in need in our community,” Stevenson-Mathews said.
Local businesses also have helped Desirae’s Darlings maximize its fundraising efforts. Mike Timko, owner of Fun Stuff Toys in Seaford, has worked with Gallart to make the most of the money raised by the organization.
“We’ve worked very closely with him, trying to get the most bang for the money he raises,” Timko said. “Trying to get him as many items to serve to help as many kids as possible.”
Gallart said his goal has shifted from simply collecting more toys each year to helping one additional child.
He said he hopes the legacy of Desirae’s Darlings will ensure children have something that brings a smile to their faces during the holidays.
Tickets for the Comedy Night are available through the organization’s website. For more information about Desirae’s Darlings, including upcoming events and ways to support the organization, visit DesiraesDarlings.org.
