NORTH BRUNSWICK – Operation Holiday Cheer is under way, seeking donations to help residents in need during the upcoming holiday season.
Mayoral assistant Janice Larkin and Food Bank member Kathy Aruta are organizing the annual gift card drive to assist families with buying presents or necessities they need during the next month.
“Since last Christmas, the number of families who use the Food Bank has increased and the neediness of them has definitely increased,” Aruta said.
The donations received through the program will go toward a gift drive, the annual Winter Wonderland celebration in early December and an emergency fund for the year. Some local organizations and businesses in the area have offered to adopt families, whose names are received from the school nurses or confidential referrals.
“We do this for the smaller kids, especially. We try to get clothing items, a toy or two, snow boots or winter jackets,” Larkin said. The women said gift certificates to supermarkets, Blockbuster, Regal Cinemas and salons are popular.
The North Brunswick Policemen’s Benevolent Association Local 160 has been the biggest contributor so far, once again contributing $5,000 to the donation drive.
“This is one of the most worthwhile causes we can contribute to,” said PBA President Jon Kelly.
The money comes directly from a 5- percent increase in monthly membership dues that each officer allotted specifically for Operation Holiday Cheer. Treasurer Thomas Vingara said the PBA also supports high school scholarships, the Pop Warner organization, Toys for Tots, the fallen officers fund, the Torch Run to benefit the Special Olympics, and children who have long-term illnesses.
“With our dues alone, we can’t do everything,” Vingara said. “The more donations we get, the more charities we are able to disseminate funds to. Plus, this gives the cops a getter appearance because we are giving back to the people out there who we are trying to help.”
To become involved with Operation Holiday Cheer, contact Aruta at (732) 247- 0922, ext. 293. Donations to the PBA may be sent to the North Brunswick Police Benevolence Association Local 160, P.O. Box 7245, North Brunswick 08902.