The Monroe Senior Center and Rossmoor Kiwanis need toys for the needy
By: Al Wicklund
Editor’s note: Part of an occasional series focusing on issues of hunger and financial need in the Jamesburg, Monroe area.
Al WicklundStaff Writer
MONROE The time is drawing near for the Senior Center to pack its bags of toys for Monroe Township’s needy girls and boys.
But, as of Thursday, the center’s holiday gift picture was not bright.
"We have a desperate need for new toys, or cash contributions to buy toys, for children 5 years of age and up," Senior Center Director Rita Whitney said.
Ms. Whitney said she has confidence members of the community will come through with help as they have in the past, but said there is some reason for concern.
"Usually we have the toys we need by this time in December, but, this year, we’re behind schedule," she said.
Ms. Whitney said time is growing short.
"The school nurses distribute the bags of toys to parents. So, we have to have the bags packed and delivered to the schools by Dec. 22," she said.
She said by working through the school nurses, the privacy of the children and their families is maintained.
"Everyone is subject to periods of unemployment, but, with a little help, there should be no reason for children to have a holiday without gifts," Ms. Whitney said.
She said the Senior Center’s goal is to have more than 600 gifts.
"We are getting toys for 214 boys and girls. We try to give each child three gifts. When the bags are stocked, we try for one top-quality toy for each bag and two others to go with it.
"The Kiwanis Club of Rossmoor and other organizations do marvelous work in the toy drive as well as the year-round and holiday food distribution programs and continue to do great work," she said.
Ms. Whitney said, in addition, there are some people who adopt a family.
"They don’t get any names, but they are told how many children in the family, their ages and gender.
"Monroe is a giving town and a cooperative one. I wish everyone could have the opportunity I have to be associated with the Kiwanis Club and the other generous organizations and individual members of this community who do so much to help," she said.
Ms. Whitney also said seniors in the township who are going through difficult times are not forgotten.
"We have people who work year-round for our Pennies Fund, which provides gift certificates for seniors and constantly and quietly assists with meeting the needs of others," she said.
People interested in helping or knowing more about the Senior Center’s programs should call the center at (732) 521-6111.