HOBOKEN CHRISTMAS EXCHANGE: Community Rallies to Support Those in Need This Holiday Season

This past Saturday more than 800 family members and children received gifts at the Hoboken Christmas Exchange. The event gave the community a chance to help make a memorable Christmas for families in-need.

Over 100 volunteers helped to deliver the gifts while over 350 people signed up to participate in the event to adopt a family or child. They were able to drop off their wrapped presents over the past week so that on Saturday all the families in need could come and pick up their gifts.

“Children will open clothes, toys and other items from their wish list on Christmas morning while parents received much needed household items like pots and pans, bedding and toiletries, diapers and towels.” said Anthony Reimer, Outreach Director at Hoboken Grace.

Hoboken Grace worked with the Hoboken Housing Authority, HOPES, North Hudson Community Action Corporation and The Jubilee Center to identify families in-need.

“I have been crying since the event started,” said Kara Cohen, one of the event organizers. “I was at a loss for words much of the night.” When asked how she felt about Hoboken Grace’s involvement and how much bigger the event has become, Kara beamed, “It’s fantastic. It’s their event now, and I’m just happy to be a part of it!