This holiday season, Family Resource Associates, Inc. (FRA) is fulfilling the wishes of 54 families they serve throughout Monmouth County through its Santa for Families giving.
FRA, located in Red Bank, serves the community and people of all ages who have developmental or acquired disabilities.
“For the last 20 years, we have been able to send Santa into the homes of FRA families in need and give them their Christmas wishes,” said Sue Levine, Early Intervention Program Director.
Therapists from FRA’s Early Childhood Intervention program nominate families in need they visit weekly to be recipients of the Santa for Families giving, according to Family Resource Associates.
All 54 families selected this year are from Monmouth County, according to Family Resource Associates.
“Our therapists know these families so well and we’re able to provide gift recommendations based on each family’s needs,” said Levine. “Thanks to one generous donor, FRA typically provides gifts such as toys, clothes, food and living essentials/basic needs. We were happy to lend a helping hand in whatever capacity to ensure that these families have a memorable Christmas.”
FRA enlists the help of Monmouth Reform Temple and others to shop, purchase and organize gifts, which have all been funded through an anonymous donor in Monmouth County, according to Family Resource Associates.
Volunteers wrap the gifts and staff prep them for delivery. On Christmas Eve, Nancy Phalanukorn, FRA Executive Director, and her son, who is dressed up as Santa, will deliver gifts to some of the families on Santa’s list, according to Family Resource Associates.
“This really is a wonderful time at FRA,” said Levine. “And we hope to continue our tradition of fulfilling the Christmas wishes of our FRA families for many more years to come.”
To learn more, visit frainc.org.