Over the weekend, Ryan Buggle, who plays Noah Porter-Benson on Law & Order: Special Victims Unit, hit New York City to celebrate his 9th birthday. On December 15, he threw a party that celebrated getting older and giving back to the community. He even released a music video with his best friend and dance partner Sadie O’Sullivan.

During the party, sponsored by Big Apple Circus, Ryan’s guests enjoyed a photo booth and danced all night, but the main event was all about gathering toys for children in need. “Toys for Tots is just the best charity ever,” Ryan said. “They are this amazing group of people who bring toys, books, and presents to children who don’t receive any.”

Ryan got involved with Toys for Tots last year when he performed alongside the Rockettes in the Radio City Christmas Spectacular. Inspired by the dancing and the holiday spirit that the Spectacular is known for, Ryan asked to have an early birthday party (his birthday is in January). At this party, he planned to donate the presents he received to kids who might not be getting gifts that year and decided to work with Toys for Tots.

Toys for Tots collects unwrapped, new toys including “sporting equipment/bags/balls; books, backpacks, cosmetics, purses, watch/wallet gift sets, bath gift sets, board games, radio control cars/trucks, hand-held electronics, skateboards/helmets, curling irons, hair straighteners, and hair dryers” (via Toys for Tots). They typically give donated gifts to children up to the age of twelve, but in some communities, the age range may be higher.

Ryan encouraged his birthday party guests to donate to Toys for Tots, and he hopes you will as well! You can find locations to donate to by going to toysfortots.org or you can make a monetary donation online.

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Veronica Good has been with Showstopper Magazine since 2016. When she isn't keeping you updated on the latest trends, she is at home with her many pets or probably playing The Sims 4. Veronica has a BA in English and an MA in writing from Coastal Carolina University. She is also a writer of fiction and poetry, and her work can be found in Archarios, Tempo, and Scapegoat.