Rain or shine, Lawrence Township’s Christmas tree will be lighted Sunday at 6 p.m. at the Municipal Building.
By Lea Kahn, Staff Writer
Rain or shine, Lawrence Township’s Christmas tree will be lighted Sunday at 6 p.m. at the Municipal Building, said Steven Groeger, the township’s superintendent of recreation.
The menorah, which celebrates the Jewish holiday of Hanukkah, has already been lighted. It stands on the front lawn outside the Municipal Building.
Mayor Jim Kownacki and Township Council will be on hand when the Christmas tree is lighted. The Lawrence High School Madrigal singers will perform several holiday tunes, Mr. Groeger said.
And Santa Claus is expected to make an appearance on the back of a fire engine, he said.
But the event is not just about the Christmas tree lighting, Mr. Groeger said. The Lawrence-Ewing-Trenton Girl Scouts are asking residents to drop off mittens, gloves, hats and scarves for children and adults who do not have them.
Two collection boxes — one inside the front door of the Municipal Building and another one outside the Engineering Department — will be set up for people to drop off the items. The Municipal Building will be open weekdays, between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m. through Dec. 24, he said.
The Girl Scouts will decorate a Christmas tree inside the Municipal Building with the donated mittens, gloves, hats and scarves, Mr. Groeger said. When the drive is over, the winter wear will be given to HomeFront, which is a nonprofit organization based in Lawrence that helps the homeless and the working poor.
Girl Scout Troop 71605 is excited to participate in the event, said Amy Watt, who is an assistant leader along with Ami Patel. The troop is led by Virgina Tomat and Richard Kelly.
”This event is particularly appealing to the girls, who are keenly interested in public service,” Ms. Watt said. “This time of year can be so difficult for our neighbors, who are in need of clothing to keep them warm. The girls are grateful for the opportunity to help out in any way that they can.”