SAYREVILLE — Local donors recently provided gifts for twice as many children in need this year at the borough recreation department’s annual Toys for Tots event.
The community has given gifts to borough children in need through the Toys for Tots program for decades, but this year’s poor economic conditions called for an increase in generosity due to the recession.
Seeing that there was a greater number of children were in need — and that the drive for donations of toys and gift certificates was less successful than in prior years — Recreation Director Gerald Ust sought out additional sources of donations for the department’s Dec. 14 gift-giving event.
“It’s been a really tough year for people, and this happens to be a great program,” Ust said. The school district calls parents with children living in Section 8 housing and those living in poverty, and offers them the chance to participate in the program, according to Ust. Last year, 42 children participated, but this year that number jumped to 97, he said.
“When donations started coming in, there were about half of what there normally are,” Ust said.
When news of the significant shortage in gifts spread around town, several residents, community organizations and other local donors stepped up and collectively provided enough donations so that each child could get several gifts, Ust said. Those donors include state Assemblyman John S. Wisniewski; James Gillette of Gillette Enterprises; Gerdau Ameristeel; Raritan Bay Federal Credit Union; CME Associates; and Weichert Realtors.
“It’s amazing,” Ust said. “I was shocked.”
This is the first year in which the department faced such a significant shortfall, but Ust said the great response from businesses and residents allowed the recreation department to fund the entire event. There were several gifts for each child and gift certificates for each family.
The children had photographs taken with Santa and Mrs. Claus, who handed out toys. The families also partook of light refreshments, hot chocolate and cookies.
“It was really heartwarming and it was a very special day,” Ust said.