Mercy House distributes thousands of Christmas gifts to families in need

Though many families are struggling this holiday season, the Archdiocese of Newark’s Mercy House helped make Christmas a little merrier by providing thousands of new toys to over 600 parents during the first two days of its annual Christmas Gift Giveaway on Dec. 16 in Newark and Dec. 17 in Elizabeth.

Mercy House staff and volunteers distributed one gift per child, along with wrapping paper and a small stocking stuffer. Families with young children received dolls, balls, games, and other toys, while parents of teens received age-appropriate items such as baseball caps and makeup kits. Some bicycles were also raffled off to a few lucky winners.

“Christmas commemorates Jesus’ birth, so we celebrate by doing what Christ calls us to do — help people in need,” said Cheryl A. Riley, director of The Mercy House. “By providing these gifts, we’re showing the children that they are special and loved. Their families might not have much money, but that doesn’t make them less than anyone else. We are all equal in the eyes of God.”

This year’s Christmas Gift Giveaway was made possible by generous donations from parishes, schools, organizations, and individuals from New Jersey and New York. It will conclude on Dec. 22 at The Mercy House’s Jersey City location, which plans to serve more than 300 additional families. The Mercy House expects to distribute over 3,000 toys to more than 1,000 families by the end of the three-day event, making it the largest Christmas giveaway in its history.

Founded in 2018, The Mercy House provides nonperishable food, clothing, baby supplies, furniture, and assistance with finding work and housing for anyone in need. Its three locations in Newark, Jersey City, and Elizabeth serve roughly 300 people weekly. If you would like to volunteer or donate, contact Cheryl A. Riley at cheryl.riley@rcan.org.

For more information, visit The Mercy House’s website.

To view more photos of The Mercy House Christmas Giveaway, click HERE.

Featured image: Volunteers distributed gifts to families in need during The Mercy House’s Christmas Gift Giveaway at its Newark location. (Photo by Sean Quinn / Archdiocese of Newark)