Archdiocese helps families in need celebrate Christmas with toy giveaway

The Archdiocese of Newark’s Fifth Annual Christmas Giveaway served more people than ever before, distributing nearly 2,000 new and unwrapped toys to over 300 families in need who visited The Mercy House in Newark (620 Clinton Ave.) on Dec. 16.

Meeting this unprecedented demand was not a challenge, however, as 2022 saw The Mercy House receive more basketballs, blocks, board games, and other gifts from donors than in any previous year. In fact, parents and guardians who came to this year’s giveaway received three toys per child, which is two more than they normally get. Everyone also had the chance to pick out free chocolate, children’s books, and Christmas decorations, and several major prizes like large dolls were raffled off.

“Whenever the economy is bad like it is now, we actually receive more donations,” said Cheryl A. Riley, director of the archdiocesan Respect Life Office and The Mercy House. “It’s because people recognize the importance of giving when times are tough. And we appreciate their generosity because it helps us make sure that every family has what it needs for a great Christmas season.”

This year many archdiocesan parishes, public and private schools, Knights of Columbus chapters, and individual donors contributed presents for the Christmas Giveaway. That includes Christ the Teacher Academy in Fort Lee, St. Michael the Archangel Church in Lyndhurst, and North Arlington High School, which collectively donated hundreds of gifts. Additionally, the North Arlington Woman’s Club provided stockings filled with small toys and candy, which will be handed out at The Mercy House in Newark on Dec. 20.

Opened in 2018 as a center for pregnant and parenting women, The Mercy House has since expanded its mission to support anyone in need. Today it provides nonperishable food, clothing, baby supplies, furniture, and help finding work and housing to all who visit its Newark location every Tuesday and Friday or its Jersey City location every Monday and Thursday between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m. For more information, visit www.rcan.org/respect-life/mercy-house.

Photos by Archdiocese of Newark/Sean Quinn

*The Mercy House staff and volunteers distributed nearly 2,000 toys to more than 300 families in need*.

Featured image: Christine Geiges-Krey (left), administrative assistant for the Archdiocese of Newark’s Respect Life Office, hands a bag filled with gifts to a community member during The Mercy House’s Fifth Annual Christmas Giveaway in Newark on Dec. 16, 2022. (Photo by Archdiocese of Newark/Sean Quinn)