Join our RU partners in sharing winter blessings with our Newark community. Donations of new unwrapped toys, hats, gloves, scarves, and socks are being accepted. New or “like new” winter coats (adult and child) can be donated as well. There’s even a convenient Amazon Wish List. See below for full details.
For the past 5 years, the Blessing Drive has been fortunate enough to collect over 6,000 toys and impact nearly 700 children. Each year we receive a list of children who have either experienced a hardship or overcome a struggle in the calendar year. We must ensure each child on the list receives a special present to show them they are loved, valued, and supported by their community! This year we will advance our community caretaking call to action by supporting our children, senior citizens, residents of domestic violence shelters, and our unsheltered populations. Our seniors, veterans, and community families need new hats, coats, scarves, socks, and gloves as blustery winter weather nears.
Some of this year’s recipients are:
- The Safe House
- NJCRI
- YMCA
- Valor Veterans Shelter
- Select Newark Public Schools students
We hope to collect enough to support additional organizations.
How can you help make this year’s drive a success? Please see the below action steps to ensure you are an engaged partner! All support is greatly appreciated!
- Spread Holiday Hope by Adopting a Child – This initiative is often a favorite as each child deserves and receives a present, especially for them.
- Drop a Donation at 200 University Avenue – Many of our partners are hosting donation sites for toys, new hats, coats, and gloves. The donations from each site will be utilized to create gift packages for nominated children. Excess toys will be donated to family shelters and service organizations to supplement ongoing organizational needs.
Need a pickup? No problem, send an email to staff.council@newark.rutgers.edu and we’ll schedule a convenient time! - Sharing is Caring! Pass on the Amazon Wish List – The Amazon wish list contains several items that are needed by local shelters and children on this year’s list. Please share the wish list with your organization, alumni, and networks.
- Wrap it Right! – Please contact us if you have a gift for gift wrapping. We will wrap sorted presents on December 18th and 19th
- Winter Affirmations: The Power of Our Word – The encouragement of a card or handwritten note is immeasurable. If you would like to provide a card to a senior, veteran, parent, or child, please contact us.
Thank you for your support!