Chaz & AJ toy drive hopes to warm hearts this holiday season - WFSB 3 Connecticut

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Chaz & AJ toy drive hopes to warm hearts this holiday season

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The Chaz & AJ toy drive kicked off in New Haven on Friday morning. (WFSB photo) The Chaz & AJ toy drive kicked off in New Haven on Friday morning. (WFSB photo)
NEW HAVEN, CT (WFSB) -

It's a holiday tradition that attracts all walks of life for a good cause.

The Chaz & AJ annual toy drive kicked off on Friday morning from Jordan's Furniture in New Haven.

"We live in the richest state in the richest country in the world," Chaz said. "No child should go without this holiday season."

The drive, which featured both local and national celebrities, began at 5:30 a.m. and ran until 10 a.m.

The headline act was Jefferson Starship, which sang some of its classics, including "Somebody to Love," during the 7 a.m. hour.

"Chaz & AJ, a toy drive [and] Jordan's Furniture. That's a win-win-win situation," said Eliot Tatelman, president and CEO of Jordan's Furniture. "We are excited for our New Haven store to be the site for the 2016 broadcast. Not only is it a fun morning but more so, the event generates countless toys that will make the holiday brighter for so many local families. We are so proud to be a part of it."

Six local children charities from throughout the state will be receiving the toys and cash donated from the drive.

"This is the biggest event we do all year," said Keith Dakin, operations manager. "It ties all the great things about Chaz & AJ together. Unbelievable giving, a party for their listeners, music, comedy and politics."

Admission was an unwrapped toy or $20 at the door.

Those who couldn't go can drop off an unwrapped toy at the following locations:

  • McGivney Center, 338 Stillman Street in Bridgeport
  • The Children's Center of Hamden, 1400 Whitney Avenue in Hamden
  • Boys & Girls Village, 528 Wheelers Farms Road in Milford
  • Boys and Girls Club of Lower Naugatuck Valley, 1 Positive Place in Shelton
  • ConnectiKids, 814 Asylum Avenue in Hartford
  • The Center for Human Services, 2 Research Drive in Stratford

For more information, head to the Chaz & AJ website here.

Chaz & AJ broadcast weekday mornings on 99.1 WPLR, 102.9 The Whale and 95.9 The Fox.

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