Sharing Holiday Joy with Families in Need
Jersey Desk/10283336

ASBURY PARK, N.J. - JerseyDesk -- Mercy Center of Asbury Park is calling on local businesses and community members to help make the holiday season brighter for children in need by supporting its annual Christmas toy collection. The donated toys will be distributed to the nonprofit's food pantry families Dec. 18-20.

"What better way to celebrate the holidays than to bring a smile to a child's face with a new toy?" said Mercy Center Executive Director Kim Guadagno. "While we work to alleviate generational poverty in the Asbury Park area, we also want to bring a little extra joy to our families during the holiday season. And we invite our caring community to help us out."

Local soccer legend Christie Rampone and members of the FC Makos Soccer Team were among the first to contribute to the gift drive. The three-time Olympic gold medalist and two-time World Cup champion dropped off gifts last week donated by team members to bring smiles to area children.

Last year, Mercy Center's toy distribution provided 3,305 gifts to 1,306 children, creating a memorable holiday season for 661 families.

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"We hope local families, groups of friends and businesses will join us in sharing the magic of the season with the families we serve," said the agency's Development Director Kara Grimes. "Giving is truly what the holiday season is all about."

How to Participate
Supporting the toy drive is simple.

• View the new toy request list at https://bit.ly/3Cu8D1F. Batteries are also appreciated!
• Supporters may also shop the charity's toy list on Amazon.com at https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/19JA9PKFV2V8B?ref_=wl_share
• Drop off unwrapped toy donations by Dec. 16 at the pantry, 1104 Main St., Asbury Park, during pantry hours, Monday-Friday, 8:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. or 1:30-4 p.m.
• Businesses that participate are asked to contact Grimes for drop-off dates and times at kgrimes@mercycenternj.org or 732-889-2410.

Toy Distribution Event
The collected toys will be distributed at the food pantry Dec. 18-20 during regular hours noted above.  Clients must pre-register for gifts by visiting the pantry before Dec. 18 during panty business hours.

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Grimes said food pantry clients can look forward to a festive atmosphere with holiday decor, hot chocolate, and plenty of holiday cheer.

Mercy Center's commitment to empowering people, enriching lives, and educating children has made a significant impact on the community. In the past year alone, the organization distributed 1.9 million pounds of food and essential items to clients living at or below the poverty level.

For more information about Mercy Center and its community support initiatives, visit mercycenternj.org.

About Mercy Center
Mercy Center, founded by the Sisters of Mercy, is a nonprofit charitable organization working to break the cycle of generational poverty in the greater Asbury Park area. Our food pantry nourishes families, caring programs and services help stabilize them, and our Sisters Academy provides a quality education to put an end to the cycle of poverty, one child, one family at a time. To donate, volunteer or learn more about how we empower, enrich, and educate the people we serve, visit www.MercyCenterNJ.org.