As the holidays approach, Gloucester Township is preparing for tree lightings, a parade and a myriad of donation drives, as well as numerous more community events
Gloucester Township will be hosting multiple events this holiday season, so be sure to take note of all the festive happenings in the community.
The 30th Annual Blackwood Fire Company Christmas Parade will be Saturday, Dec. 1, from 6 to 9 p.m., starting at the intersection of Davistown Road and the Black Horse Pike. With a theme of “The Night Before Christmas,” cash prizes and trophies will be awarded to those in various categories. For information on participating, visit www.blackwoodfire.org.
Another main event for Gloucester Township residents is the tree lighting ceremony at 6:30 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 9, at Veterans Park next to the Gloucester Township Municipal Building. Mayor David Mayer and Gloucester Township Council will attend to celebrate the lighting of the tree.
The event will include Christmas carols provided by the Mainstage Center for the Arts with refreshments, sleigh rides and additional events as well.
On Friday, Nov. 30, from 6 to 8 p.m., the Gloucester Premium Outlets will hold its Fourth Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony. Santa will be in attendance for pictures, and there will be additional events as well.
After the tree lighting at the Gloucester Premium Outlets, Santa will continue to visit Gloucester Township throughout December. A free Santa brunch will be held from 10 a.m. to noon on Saturday, Dec. 8, at the Gloucester Township Recreation Center in Clementon. Children and families can visit with Santa for pictures and play games. The event will also be collecting unwrapped toys for children in need.
Additionally, Santa will visit the Blackwood Fire Company Auxiliary for a Breakfast with Santa from 9 a.m. to noon on Sunday, Dec. 9, at the Blackwood Fire Company. An all-you-can-eat breakfast is $8 for adults and $3 for children ages 3 to 10. Tickets are available at the door, but advance ticket purchases are available at www.blackwoodfire.org.
Mayer recently launched the Mayor’s Toy Drive to benefit children throughout the township. Residents can donate new toys at the mayor’s office in the Gloucester Township Municipal Building or by scheduling a pickup by calling (856) 228–4000.
“The Mayor’s Toy Drive is just one of many annual holiday traditions here in Gloucester Township,” Mayer said. “Our goal is ensure that every child in town gets to experience the magic and joy of the holiday season. We are pleased to provide thousands of toys for children in need year after year and would like to thank everyone who makes this worthy activity possible.”
Toys will be distributed beginning the week of Dec. 11.
Considered one of the most active police departments within its community in the country, the Gloucester Township Police Department will continue to work with residents this holiday season to keep them safe as well as assisting those in need.
Community Relations Unit Commander Mark Benton said the GTPD will be active in multiple ways, such as hosting the department’s Third Annual Stuff-A-Truck Toy Fundraiser to stuff a police truck full of unwrapped toys for those less fortunate. The GTPD headquarters will be collecting at the watch desk up to and including Monday, Dec. 17. All donations will benefit Gloucester Township families in need.
Also, Booking It with the GTPD will be on Monday, Dec. 3, from 5:30 to 7 p.m. at the GTPD Family Resource Center for all residents. Police officers will read holiday stories to children while enjoying cookies and hot chocolate. Each child will be given a book to take home as well.
Churches and other nonprofits will also be hosting events this holiday season for residents, while also collecting donations for those in need. The Sicklerville United Methodist Church will host an Advent Dinner and Christmas Carol Sing-a-long on Sunday, Dec. 2, from 5 to 7 p.m. Learn more at www.sicklervillechurch.comand questions regarding the event can be answered by Emily Evans at EmilyE@SUMCNJ.com.
Be sure to check out other holiday events happening around Gloucester Township as well.
