Ho-ho-holiday cheer takes over West Orange community

Photo Courtesy of Roz Moskovitz Bielski
WEST ORANGE, NJ  — Cesar the Magician entertains the youngest members of the Pleasant Valley Civic Association at the group’s Dec. 20 holiday party in West Orange.

Washington Elementary School held its 13th annual Operation Santa Holiday Drive for some forgotten members of the community last week.

Fifth-grade students, from left, Adrianna Bailey, Denia Castillo Aguilar, Patrick Dusape, Isaiah Goldsmith and Gloria Harrison Flood collect personal and toiletry items and warm unisex clothing to the mentally ill living alone in boarding homes.

All grades in Washington School helped out. All items were sent to the National Alliance for the Mentally Ill of Essex County for distribution during the holidays.