Families in need invited to "Christmas in July" for free toys, ice cream

The Mercy House, a resource and referral center of the Archdiocese of Newark, will celebrate its first “Christmas in July” event on Friday, July 22, to distribute free toys and ice cream to the community’s children and families in need. The event will take place from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at The Mercy House’s Newark location at 620 Clinton Avenue.

Archdiocesan staff and ministry volunteers of The Mercy House will provide each visiting child with one new or gently used toy appropriate for their age. Toys will include balls, dolls, and a range of other fun items. Additionally, children, parents, and guardians are welcome to enjoy free ice cream from a local vendor parked outside the building.

“Many of the children and families we serve only get toys once a year at Christmas,” said Cheryl A. Riley, director of the archdiocesan Respect Life Office. “So, we want to treat them now with ‘Christmas in July’ so they don’t have to wait five more months. The Mercy House always looks for new ways to serve the community and bring some joy to those in need.”

*The Mercy House will offer free ice cream and toys at its first “Christmas in July” event. (Photo by Sean Quinn/Archdiocese of Newark)*

The “Christmas in July” event is an extension of The Mercy House’s annual “Christmas Toy Giveaway,” which has provided thousands of toys and holiday gifts to those in need since its 2018 inception. All toys and gifts distributed through The Mercy House are donated by generous individuals and organizations.

The Mercy House hopes its “Christmas in July” event also will bring attention to the services it offers year-round. The resource and referral center supports anyone requiring assistance by providing nonperishable food, clothing, baby supplies, furniture, and help finding work and housing. It is open every Tuesday and Friday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Currently, the center especially needs nonperishable food, baby wipes, baby formula, baby clothing, and diapers of all sizes.

“As a Catholic ministry, we see the face of Christ in everyone, so we serve anyone regardless of who they are,” said Riley, who pointed out that the number of people visiting The Mercy House for help has doubled since January, with a noticeable uptick in expectant mothers. “We’re happy to see so many people coming to us because it shows that people are aware of our mission. More support from donors is needed because it’s only through people’s generosity that we can do this vital work.”

For more information on The Mercy House, a ministry of the Archdiocese of Newark’s Respect Life Office — including how to donate and volunteer — visit www.rcan.org/respect-life/mercy-house.

Featured image: The Mercy House gives away toys and gifts to parents in need every year through its “Christmas Toy Giveaway.” On July 22, 2022, it will distribute more fun items as well as free ice cream at its “Christmas in July” event. (Photo by Sean Quinn/Archdiocese of Newark)