New York woman buys entire toy store for needy children

The Christmas season usually makes most people feel a little more generous than usual. But one New York philanthropist played Santa in style when she bought an entire toy store for children in need.

Helping the homeless in New York City

American Carol Suchman usually buys gifts for less fortunate youngsters at this time of the year, but when she was passing a store in New York’s West Village that carried a sign that said it was closing, she decided to take immediate action.

An example of stark modern architecture in the West Village in New York

Said Suchman,

“When I saw this toy store, I just realised I could do it on a grander scale for this one year. We talked and negotiated and bought the entire toy store.”

Christmas came early for several children in need as thousands of toys were bagged up and donated to New York’s Department of Homeless Services, ahead of the holidays. And the gifts stand out for many reasons.

A homeless person's shelter

Said the Homeless Services spokesperson,

“I’ve been doing this for many years and we have many generous sponsors. But I have to say that this is the first time anybody ever bought out an entire store and donated to the children of shelters.”

The ‘Walking Piano’, one of the toys in FAO Schwarz flagship store in New York, which closed in July 2015 due to rental issues

Suchman, who formerly owned a successful technology company with her husband, said children have been a focus of her charity for many years. She added,

“I know everyone could use a gift around the holidays.”

(All images - credit: Wikimedia Commons under Creative Commons licence)