What’s Happening: Big Brooklyn Holiday Toy Drive and Mission Chinese Sandy Relief Fundraiser

Monday, December 3
Five Ambassadors of the New York City Culinary Experience: Join the owners of Russ & Daughters, Danny Bowien of Mission Chinese, and Amanda Hesser from Food52 as they talk about food and its place in history and community. New York Times‘ Sam Sifton will moderate the discussion at the Etsy Holiday Shop in Soho at 7 p.m. 131 Greene Street

Tuesday, December 4
Big Brooklyn Holiday Toy Drive Party: Build a buzz and make a child smile at Red Star Bar in Greenpoint. The sports bar is hosting a toy drive for local kids who were affected by Hurricane Sandy. Entrance is $20 or a donated toy priced at $20, and guests get a three-hour open bar plus a finger food buffet. Raffles and a live DJ included. 37 Greenpoint Avenue, Brooklyn

Drink for Good at the Brooklyn Brewery: For $40, enjoy unlimited samples of craft beer from the NYC Brewers guild as they raise money for Hurricane Sandy relief in Brooklyn and Queens. 79 North 11th Street, Brooklyn

Wednesday, December 5
Shop More Shop LES: More than 60 shops on the Lower East Side will open their doors for in-store happy hour specials. Among the participating restaurants are the Grey Lady, Café Dancer, Melt Bakery, and Ghost Bar. Bonus: many galleries and stores along the way will give away complimentary wine. Find a list of all participating businesses here.

Thursday, December 6
Mission Chinese Dinner for Apex Relief Fund and Sandy Relief: If you refuse to wait the daily hours-long line for Mission Chinese, this might be your chance to secure a meal from the famed Lower East Side dive. At $90 a plate, the restaurant will host a fundraising dinner and donate profits to Apex Youth, to help children in Sandy-devastated areas. 154 Orchard Street