'Adopt-A-Family' Project Makes Holidays Brighter For Howell Kids

HOWELL, NJ — With Christmas just about here, Howell Township reported its "Adopt-A-Family" giveaway made a real impact on families.

This year, more than 65 families and 175 individual Howell children were able to be given creative and useful gifts for the holidays.

"We are beyond grateful and overwhelmed by the amount of compassion, support and thoughtfulness on how the families needs were fulfilled," the township Department of Community Relations said in an online post.

Gifts were chosen with care and creativity. Additional gift card donations helped every family.

The project began in October with the goal to assign each volunteer sponsor an “adopted” family in Howell to help families with children age toddlers to 17 years old have a brighter holiday with new, unwrapped donated gifts or gift cards.

Local businesses, neighborhoods, residents and nonprofit organizations and groups were all involved in the program, the township said.

"Once again, thank you to all the businesses, residents and Department of Community Relations 'elves' who were involved. Your time and effort has been much appreciated and the needs of the community could have not been met without you," the department said.