BOSTON — To spread holiday cheer, members of The International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) Local 103 donated thousands of new toys and articles of winter clothing to children and families in Boston and Lawrence.

The Holiday Toy Drive is an annual tradition at IBEW Local 103 to give back to the communities where their members live and work.

“We’ve been collecting toys since Thanksgiving and proud to have delivering these toys and to get them in the hands of our members’ communities,” said Lou Antonellis, business manager and financial secretary. “We collected 10,000 toys and articles of winter clothing to represent our 10,000 members and retirees in Boston.

The 2022 drive marked the ninth consecutive year IBEW has run a toy collection, ensuring that local families can breathe a little easier during the holiday season by removing some of the stress and financial burden of purchasing toys and gifts.

“We live here. We work here. We are extremely blessed, and we believe in giving back to our communities,” said Renee Dozier, IBEW 103 business agent.

IBEW Local 103 also collected new hats, gloves, and scarves (adults and children’s) to support local families and women’s shelters this winter. Donations were dropped off at the IBEW Local 103 union hall.