Belleville Legion Boosts Homeless, Neighbors With Holiday Giveaways

BELLEVILLE, NJ — The American Legion Post 105 family in Belleville recently organized a pair of well-received community efforts over the holidays: a homeless outreach event, and a toy/coat giveaway.

HELPING THE HOMELESS

Veterans with the post, Sons of the American Legion Squadron 105 and auxiliary members pitched in to hold a food and clothing distribution in Newark during the first weekend of December.

For three years, Sons of The American Legion first vice-commander Vinnie Ferriole has managed a program helping people experiencing homelessness in the Ironbound section of the city behind Newark Penn Station. The effort continued in 2024, with a production-line of Sons and auxiliary members putting together meal bags of 180 peanut butter sandwiches at the post – complete with chips and water. The auxiliary also made “Blessing Bags,” which were handed out containing hand warmers, socks, toothpaste and health care products.

Clothing given away at the event included jackets, gloves and hats. Legionnaire Patricia “Miss Patty” Ferro, who recently passed away, donated many of the coats that made their way into the hands of grateful recipients, the post pointed out.

Although many of those being helped were going through “immense hardship that few of us can imagine,” they were kind, polite and thankful, according to the post.

“When we handed [guests] such a simple thing like a sandwich and a blessing bag, it makes you appreciate what you have when others have so little,” American Legion Auxiliary unit vice president Marcy Caruso said.

CHRISTMAS GIVEAWAY

The American Legion Post 105 family also held their annual Christmas toy and coat giveaway later in the month.

This year, nearly 100 families got a warm coat or a toy for children at the event, which took place at the Post Hall on Washington Avenue on Dec. 22.

Soliciting toy and clothing donations from the community and setting up the room was a “Legion Family affair,” and was coordinated by ALA President Debbie Hall, who chaired the event.

“It warms my heart that we can make them happy” Hall noted afterward.

The effort saw donations from neighbors in nearby towns, too, organizers said.

“It’s to give back to the kids ... we have many blessings, and we’re happy to share,” Nutley resident Jennifer Gordon said.

The Legion family bought some of the toys by holding charity events such as Sunday breakfasts, basket raffles and flea markets. Other toys were donated by local businesses, such as H.K. Truck Center of South Plainfield which contributed more than $1,000 worth of gifts.

“I’m grateful because without this, we wouldn’t have been able to have a Christmas,” one of the Legion’s guests said.

“This is going to put a smile on my kid’s faces,” another guest said. “Times are hard, and this is so wonderful.”

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