Archdiocese of Newark's Mercy House distributes thousands of toys to families ahead of Christmas
NEWARK, New Jersey (WABC) -- The Archdiocese of Newark's Mercy House will distribute thousands of free toys to parents in need this holiday season as part of its annual Christmas Gift Giveaway.
The three-day giveaway begins Tuesday, Dec. 16 at the Mercy House's Newark location, with additional distributions scheduled for Dec. 17 in Elizabeth and Dec. 22 in Jersey City.
Parents will be able to select new, unwrapped toys for children ages 1 to 17.
Organizers say the event is designed to ease the financial stress many families face during the holidays and ensure children can experience the joy of opening presents on Christmas morning.
"Every child will have a toy, a stocking stuffer," said Mercy House Director Cheryl Riley. "We want to make sure that every child wakes up Christmas morning with something."
Since 2018, the Archdiocese of Newark has given toys to parents so every child will have something under the tree on Christmas.
"They help a lot and I'm very appreciative of them," said parent Johanna Mulero.
On Tuesday, parents lined up in the fringed cold waiting their chance to make their child's holiday a bit brighter.
Once inside, parents signed up for a raffle. The winner took home a bike for a boy or girl.
"It's a blessing because it helps to get your kids gifts if you can't do it on your own," said parent Lauren Adelsky.
The volunteers were more than happy to help out just like Santa's elves. All of them wished to extend heartfelt blessings during this holiday season.
Students from St. Joseph Regional High School in Montvale are part of this distribution effort and believe its important to get into the spirit of giving this Christmas.
"You feel great about yourself just helping people who can't do it alone," said St. Joseph's junior Cole Drago.
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