Ward 4 Cranston City Councilman Edward Brady with co hosts Jacob Belt, Justin Erickson, and the staff at The Thirsty Beaver produced their annual toy drive at The Thirsty Beaver Hometown Pub and Grub, which is located at 288 Atwood Ave., on Dec. 4.

More than 500 people came in support donating more than 5,000 toys throughout the night.  With holiday music playing in the background and smiles throughout the room, the US Marines on site said, “This toy drive is one of the largest toy drives throughout the state of Rhode Island and we are truly blessed to have the support from so many amazing businesses and people throughout Cranston and beyond.”

A lot of support was offered throughout the community from many small businesses including Body Rock Gym, David Paolo and G Media Studios, Rob Grieco and Grieco Automotive, Joe Leofort with AJ Drywall and Plastering, Alaina Bart and Project Broken Wheel, Dan Gruslin with Allstate Lock, Mayor Allan Fung and wife Barbara Anne Fenton, Cranston Council President Mike Farina, Councilman Chris Paplauskas, Councilman Ken Hopkins, Councilman Mike Favicchio, David Bucci and Cranston Veterans Memorial Ice Rink, Regen Medical, Brian Cipolla and Reflections by National Gold, David Dimao and The Cranston West Alumni, The Corsos and Maplewood Landscaping, The Cranston/East Greenwich Co-op Thunderbirds,

“We sent over five thousand toys to three organizations tonight – Toys for Tots, Veterans Inc. and the RI Dream Center. I would say mission accomplished,” said Brady at Thirsty Beaver Cranston. “I am absolutely humbled by the outpouring of support from our amazing community.”

“I have been through difficult holiday seasons with our family growing up and understand what some families can go through during the holiday season,” said Brady. “We are fortunate enough to have the ability to give back and have the help of so many amazing people. We are happy to do our small part and hopeful no child is left behind this holiday season. Seeing the continued generosity and support truly reminds us what this season is all about.”

 “It's awesome and all for the kids of course. I couldn't ask for a better partner than Ed. I'm hoping he and I do this as long as I’m on this earth,” said Jacob Belt who has been collecting for Toys for Tots for the past 20 years.

From bikes to board games to soccer balls and dolls; the pile kept growing.

“I enjoy working with my network of friends throughout the community because I know so many amazing people that always step up for the community to make a difference - together we can do so much, and it feels great to be a part of it,” said Brady. “I feel very blessed to live in Cranston, Rhode Island; a city full of kindness.”