Community Corner

Joseph Silva Memorial Toy Drive Dinner Set for Saturday

The annual Joseph Silva Memorial Toy Drive Dinner Saturday is your last opportunity to help organizers make this year the best one yet for the 20-year-old charity drive. 

Organizers have set a goal of 1,000 toys collected this year in honor of Joe Silva, who ran the toy drive up to his death in February. "It's very important for us to carry on his legacy," said Julie Silva, Joseph's daughter. 

Joseph, a 40-year member of the Knights of Columbus, started the toy drive 20 years ago, collecting 100 toys. "Every year, he'd do a little more," Julie said. Last year, Joseph's last, he collected 563 toys. The toys go to the Children's Friends Holiday Spirit of Giving Drive, based in Providence, which helps children throughout the state each Christmas. 

Julie said the response to the toy drive has been exciting, and encouraging. People are calling her and dropping off toys every day, and a fundraiser for toy drive donations at Gofundme.com is starting to pick up steam. "I'm very optimistic we're going to reach our goal," she said.

The Knights of Columbus will host the event Dec. 14 at 6:30 p.m., t at 3200 Pawtucket Ave. Tickets are $20 per person, and guests are asked to bring a new, unwrapped toy. Contact Julie Silva at js7950@aol.com or 401-434-3556 to buy tickets for more information.


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