ORANGE, NJ — The Orange Democratic Committee will host its annual toy and coat giveaway on Saturday, Dec. 21, at its new location, Cross and Crown Christian Church, 476 Thomas Blvd., Orange, and hopes to provide every child with a toy for the coming Christmas holiday.
Orange Democratic Committee member William Hathaway said the event is shaping up to be a success.
“We have identified families throughout wards in the city through our membership of the Orange Democratic Committee,” Hathaway said in a phone interview with the Record-Transcript on Friday, Dec. 6. “We want people to register with us for the toy and the coat giveaway.”
Hathaway said he expects a great turnout for the drive.
“I’ve gotten numerous responses from residents who have given coats to us,” he said. “We’ve done a social media posting regarding this event and we’re expecting a great turnout. We’ve reached out in partnership with Orange Police Athletic League and they are donating some toys.”
“Our goal is to reach 50 families in Orange,” he added. “This event is at a first-come, first-served basis.”
The organization is making great strides within the community and aims to bring in as many coats and toys as last year. Hathaway insisted the event is a group effort, and said it takes teamwork to pull together a successful drive like in 2018.
“Last year, we’d done a coat and toy drive with several elementary schools within the Orange School District,” he said. “Last year’s event was an extremely successful event. Among the elementary schools that were involved was Lincoln Avenue School and Oakwood Avenue School.”
Orange Democratic Committee Chairman Clifford Ross also said he is looking forward to helping the less fortunate through the event on Saturday, Dec. 21.
“As the chairman of our Democratic Committee, we’re proud of our community that we serve,” Ross told the Record-Transcript in a phone interview on Friday, Dec. 6. “We’re happy and fortunate enough to help out the less fortunate with coats and toys for the holiday season.”
This event is for Orange residents only and for children up to 12 years old. The first 50 families will be served as this event. The Orange Democratic Committee asks anyone interested in receiving a coat or toy to register before the event. To register, call Hathaway at 862-520-2409 or Ross at 973-666-1866.
Photo Courtesy of William Hathaway.