PRINCETON: St. Nicholas Project seeks help for holiday happiness

   Now in its thirteenth year, the YWCA Princeton’s “St. Nicholas Project” is seeking help providing holiday presents so that local families can celebrate Christmas in their own homes.
   Anyone can participate. It is a opportunity for organizations, community members, individuals, families and businesses to spread happiness during the holiday season and into the New Year.
   When someone becomes a “St. Nicholas,” they can choose to sponsor a large family, a small family or an individual. The project can be arranged to fit any budget.
   The St. Nicholas Project was founded in 2000 by Jill Jachera to help the families in need in Princeton, many who are new immigrant families like her husband who came to this country at 4 years old from Cuba with no money, no English speaking skills, and one suitcase of clothes for his entire family.
   ”Even though he was only 4, he still remembers the acts of kindness that made his family feel welcome when they started in this country. We want to pay it forward and do the same for immigrant families and those in similar situations throughout Princeton,” said Ms. Jachera.
   The project, originally called the YWCA Adopt-a-Family, was renamed after its first year in memory of her nephew Nichols Nutile, who was killed in an automobile accident in 2001. Ms. Jachera continues to lead the drive each year encouraging businesses and individuals to join in the grass roots effort to enrich the lives of local families and as a way to strengthen the community.
   ”It is a way to support those right in our own neighborhood and a way to celebrate the spirit of giving and community,” said Ms. Jachera.
   In addition to toys, food and clothes, educational tuition payment in the YWCA’s Nursery School are appreciated.
   There are a number of sponsors who have made the St. Nicholas Project a tradition with their families or business with some having participated for 10 consecutive years. As in past years, those who purchase a toy for the St. Nicholas Project at JaZam’s in Palmer Square will receive a 20 percent discount on the toy. And as an added convenience, Jazam’s will take the toy to the YWCA Princeton.
   On Friday evening, Dec. 7, the public can bring a toy to Palmer Square’s Holiday A Capella Jam & Toy Drive for the St. Nicholas Project.
   Sponsored by the Office of the Dean of Undergraduate Students, there will be numerous town and gown groups performing beneath the tree and a tent for the toy drive. The performances will run from 6 to 8 p.m. with hot chocolate and apple cider available.
   To adopt a family as “St. Nicholas” or make a contribution, contact Ms. Jachera at [email protected] by Nov. 26. Be sure to include your current contact information (name, email address, and phone number).
   Participants will be provided with a “wish list” for a particular family and/or individual in need. Gifts should be new and unwrapped. All items MUST be dropped off on Monday, Dec. 17, between 8 a.m. and noon at the YWCA Princeton’s All Purpose Room located at 59 Paul Robeson Place (at the corner of Route 206).
   For those who wish to contribute and cannot shop, a tax-deductible donation can be made to the YWCA Princeton. By indicating the donation is for the St. Nicholas Project, the entire donation will go to the project.
Photo Caption:Joe Ramirez, Princeton University, Jill Jachera, along with Joanne Farrugio and Dean Smith of Jazam’s in Palmer Square, are again kicking off the Princeton’s St. Nicholas Project and Toy Drive for the YWCA Princeton. To adopt a family, contact Jill at [email protected] by November 26, or bring an unwrapped toy to Palmer Square for the 7 p.m. performance of Princeton University’s Holiday A Capella Jam. All gifts will benefit local families in need.