Mark Robarge/Recorder staff Rebecca Persico of radio station WCSS (AM 1490), left, accepts toy donations from Kathy Bates of Amsterdam, center, and her daughter, Arielle, at Toy Jam II at the Amsterdam Riverfront Center on Saturday.

Band plays for donors

Mark Robarge
Recorder News Staff

The Amsterdam woman said she spends the weeks leading up to Christmas looking for ways to help a variety of groups try to make the holiday brighter for needy families. It’s an effort that hits very close to home, she explained.

“People were there to help us when we needed it, so it’s important for us to give back,” she explained. “Every week, we have a new place to donate to.”

On Saturday, Bates and her daughter, Arielle, were among about 75 people who came to the Riverfront Center for Toy Jam II. The event is the brainchild of the Boston-based band 13 Yards to Victory, which performed in October at Amsterdam High School.

The five-man band, whose members range in age from 18 to 22, hosted Toy Jam I last year in its hometown and decided to take it on the road this year. Amsterdam is the first stop on a whirlwind tour that will also hit venues in Connecticut, Massachusetts and Rhode Island.

“It’s kids helping kids, that’s what it’s all about,” said guitar player Vinny Prezioso.

The band played a stripped-down, 45-minute set for people who donated a new, unwrapped toy with a minimum value of $5. All the toys collected Saturday will be donated to the Sanford Stud Farm, which will also be accepting donations for its annual toy drive during a holiday celebration at the farm from 1 to 4 p.m. Dec. 12, 13, 19 and 20.

Patrick Boles, the farm’s caretaker, said all the toys collected are then distributed to needy families in Montgomery County through the county’s Department of Social Services.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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