Mercy House spreads holiday cheer to families with record Christmas toy giveaway
The Archdiocese of Newark’s Mercy House made spirits bright for more than 800 families this holiday season with its largest-ever Christmas Toy Giveaway. Over 3,000 gifts were distributed at three locations: Newark on Dec. 17, Elizabeth on Dec. 18, and Jersey City on Dec. 23.
Festively dressed staff and volunteers distributed toys, including new dolls, games, balls, and more, to over 250 families at each Mercy House location. Each parent received two toys per child, along with a small gift to place in their child’s stocking. Families were also given wrapping paper so that children could experience the excitement of unwrapping presents from “Santa” on Christmas morning.
“The Mercy House’s Christmas Toy Giveaway grows bigger every year, and that’s a true blessing for us as a Catholic service organization,” said Cheryl A. Riley, director of The Mercy House. “Many of the families we serve are struggling financially, so being able to provide 1,000 more toys than last year means 1,000 more smiles on the faces of children who otherwise might not have received a gift on Christmas morning.”
This year’s Christmas Toy Giveaway was made possible through the generosity of donors from local parishes, schools, and organizations. Christ the Teacher Academy in Fort Lee, the North Arlington Women’s Club, and St. Stephen’s Church in Kearny, which provided 240 bags of cookies, were among key supporters. St. Joseph Regional High School in Montvale also played a vital role, providing both toy donations and volunteers. Students from the archdiocesan Catholic school helped sort and distribute gifts at the Newark event.
Founded in 2018, The Mercy House provides nonperishable food, clothing, baby supplies, and furniture, and it helps people find 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 www.rcan.org/mercy-house/.
Featured image: Student volunteers from St. Joseph Regional High School in Montvale distributed gifts at The Mercy House’s annual Christmas Toy Giveaway in Newark on December 17, 2024. (Photo by Archdiocese of Newark/Sean Quinn)
