A version of this story was originally reported in the Bushwick Daily by Alec Meeker
Bushwick, Brooklyn – This Saturday, December 21st, the “To The Moon” Foundation will light up Maria Hernandez Park with its third annual toy giveaway, aiming to spread some much-needed holiday warmth and goodwill throughout the neighborhood. Hosted by local artist Gazoo and his partner Nick Reynolds, the event is a grassroots celebration, offering free gifts, food, and toys for all attendees—an effort that reflects Gazoo’s deep ties to his adopted home of Bushwick.
For those in the know, Gazoo’s name is woven into the fabric of Bushwick’s artistic revival. Known for his bold “To The Moon” graffiti tag and immersive art pieces, the Brooklyn-based creative arrived in the neighborhood in the early 2000s, initially to work in construction, building affordable housing. But it wasn’t until Gazoo made Bushwick his permanent home in 2013 that his artistry fully blossomed. “The community took me in from the moment I stepped foot here,” he says. “Bushwick has always shown me love, so it only feels right to give that energy back.”
This commitment to the community is exactly what sparked the idea for the toy drive, now entering its third year. As Gazoo explains as reported in the Bushwick Daily, “This neighborhood has supported me for so long, it was only natural to extend that support to the families here who need it most.” Teaming up with Reynolds and a network of passionate volunteers, the toy drive has become a cornerstone of the season, aiming to give away 1,200 toys this year, all funded through a GoFundMe campaign that raised $12,000.
The event draws on the power of local partnerships, with a variety of sponsors pitching in to make it a success. Roberta’s Pizza, a beloved institution in the area, will be handing out pies all day, while Riseboro Community Partnership, a nonprofit dedicated to Bushwick families, has helped connect the event with those in need. Other supporters include DJ Manny Mills (Hot 97), who will provide the soundtrack, as well as Crossroads Cafe, serving up coffee and hot chocolate, and 6IX Donuts, dishing out sweet treats to the crowd.
There’s no need to pre-register—families can simply head to Maria Hernandez Park at noon on Saturday to pick up gifts, no questions asked. Volunteers are encouraged to arrive at 11 AM to help out, with a special thank you gift of red or green beanies for all those who pitch in. “It’s all about community connection,” says Reynolds, as reported by the Buswick Daily. “We wanted to make this event bigger, closer to home, and truly for the people who helped us get to where we are.”
The “To The Moon” Foundation, which officially became a nonprofit in recent years, serves as the backbone of this initiative, while also powering the “To The Moon” brand, which spans everything from art and lifestyle apparel to cannabis. But the toy drive is a reminder that, at its core, the foundation is about giving—especially to the kids. “The look on their faces when they get those toys, that’s what this is all about,” Gazoo says. “It’s what makes it all worth it."
The toy giveaway promises to be a day of joy, camaraderie, and celebration, drawing families, locals, and artists together for a fun-filled event. Gazoo is excited about the opportunity to spread joy throughout the community: “These kids will remember coming out for cool toys, meeting their neighbors, and enjoying good food. It’s a memory that’ll stick with them.”
For those interested in supporting, there are multiple ways to get involved. Volunteers can show up by 11 AM, and anyone who can’t attend in person is encouraged to donate to the GoFundMe to help fund even more gifts for the neighborhood. Help spread the word and let’s make this holiday season unforgettable for everyone in Bushwick.
Article quotes via the Bushwick Daily by Alec Meeker. For more visit To The Moon.
