Residents can donate new, unwrapped toys through Dec. 15 for Marlton families with children who need help providing gifts this season.
Evesham residents once again have the chance to play Santa this year and brighten the holiday season for some of their less fortunate neighbors with the return of the Evesham Holiday Wishes program.
Back for another year, the Evesham Holiday Wishes program allows generous residents to donate new, unwrapped toys to be distributed to Marlton families with young children who need help providing gifts to their families during the holiday season.
In addition to receiving the donated gifts, families and their children who take part in the program will be invited to pick out their gifts at a special holiday party where children can enjoy food and other fun entertainment.
Last year’s program provided about $10,000 worth of gifts to more than 100 of Evesham’s youngest residents and families who needed some extra help with their holiday spirit.
This year’s program is once again being run through Evesham Township and the nonprofit Evesham Celebrations Foundation.
“This is something that’s near and dear to our heart that we’ve been doing for the last three years … to bring the holiday spirit to those who are not fortunate enough to have a holiday spirit,” said Ken D’Andrea, president of the Evesham Celebrations Foundation and a member of township council. “Let’s just say you have a lot of tears of joy as the day goes on.”
Mayor Randy Brown, who also works on the program, noted residents can donate to the Evesham Holiday Wishes program knowing the gifts will only go toward those in need who live in the township.
As Evesham continues to grow as a community, Brown said there will unfortunately be more kids and more families who need help with their holidays. However, Brown said the community will continue to be there to help.
“We’re actually helping the kids — the boys and girls who are here in our community,” Brown said.
Collections are open through Dec. 15. Donation drop off locations include:
• Evesham Fire House, 26 E. Main St., from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m.
• Evesham Fire House, Merchants Way in Kings Grant, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• Gibson House Community Center, 535 E. Main St., from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m.
• Evesham Township Municipal Building, 984 Tuckerton Road, from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
• Blue Barn Recreation Center, 1004 Tuckerton Road, from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m.
• Indian Spring Country Club, 115 S. Elmwood Road, from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.
• Evesham Mortgage, 65 E. Route 70, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
If residents know of a family in need, they are asked to contact Monica Vandenberg or Allison Bittner at the township’s department of public affairs and senior services through vandenbergm@evesham-nj.gov or bittnera@evesham-nj.gov.
Residents can also contact Brown at brown@evesham-nj.gov.
Those looking for more information about the program can call (856) 985–9792.
