Hampton Bays Mom Keeps Son's Memory Alive Through Annual Toy Drive

In the years since her son's death, AnneMarie McKinnon, of Hampton Bays, has not wavered mission to keep her son's memory alive by donating toys to kids in need.

This year, like in year's past, McKinnon is once again holding a toy drive, aiming to collected hundreds of toys to hand out to kids who are either in need or seriously ill in her son's name.

McKinnon made it her goal to hold an annual toy drive after her son told her that he had a wish to fill an 18-wheeler with toys and deliver it to kids who are ill or in need before he passed away from an illness that led to cardiac arrest in 2011.

He would be 16 years-old this year.

Her not-for-profit organization, called Mathew's Wish has raised hundreds of donations over the years — in 2012 over 400 toys were delivered to the Ronald McDonald House and Cohen Children's Hospital in New Hyde Park.

This year's toy drive has already kicked-off with donations being accepted at several area locations, including GiGi's kids on Montauk Highway in Hampton Bays.

On her Facebook Page, Monika Straka, owner, wrote, "Gigi's Kids is so excited and honored to be a toy drop off-center for Matthew's Wish in memory of an awesome Hampton Bays boy Matthew McKinnon! Let's fill that 18 wheeler with toys for Matthew.

Other drop locations include:

• Apple Bank, 138 Main St., Sag Harbor
• Essential Chiropractic, 204 Montauk Highway, Westhampton Beach
• Upsky Hotel and Resorts, 110 Motor Parkway, Hauppague
• Brentwood Fire Department, 125 4th Street, Brentwood
• Declan Quinns, 227 4th Avenue, Bayshore