MARSD Cares Winter Wonderland Treats 100 Local Families In Need

ABERDEEN, NJ — Last Tuesday evening, Dec. 16, the Matawan-Aberdeen Regional School District (MARSD) welcomed more than 100 families to the MARSD Cares Winter Wonderland.

Now in its second year, the Winter Wonderland event was hosted by MARSD Cares, the district’s community outreach committee. MARSD Cares provides donations throughout the year to families/staff during times of need. Winter Wonderland is MARSD Care's largest annual event and provides families in need with a holiday feast and special evening filled with gifts, music, fun activities and a special visit from Santa. The Winter Wonderland was held at Matawan-Aberdeen Regional High School.

More than 30 volunteers helped bring the event to life, guiding families through ornament painting, holiday coloring activities and storytime. Guests also enjoyed a student piano performance and Santa made a grand entrance thanks to an escort from the Matawan Fire Department Washington Engine Company #1.

“We are grateful for the opportunity to give back to our MARSD families in a meaningful way during the holidays,” said MARSD superintendent Nelyda Perez. “The highlight of the night was seeing smiles on our students’ faces; it reminds us of the importance of taking care of each other in our communities and connecting, not only during the holidays but all year round."

More than 1,500 gifts were donated for children and adults by the school community, and boxes of non-perishable food items were generously provided by Staffing Synergies of Matawan, helping to ensure that everyone could enjoy a wonderful holiday meal filled with abundance and care.

Rod Stevens, an art teacher in the district, said he and his wife both love volunteering at the event.

“This is our second year, and what makes it so special is that my wife and I have both worked in this district for over 25 years,” Stevens said. “We’ve watched so many of these families grow, and in many ways, our family has grown alongside them. Giving back just feels natural – this community has always been willing to give the shirts off their backs, and we’re proud to do the same.”

While the holiday season is often a time of joy, it can also bring financial or emotional challenges for some families. Last year, MARSD Director of Student Services Jennifer Steffich shared an idea to host a Winter Wonderland holiday feast to support families in need.

The event grew significantly this year and is becoming a beloved tradition and way to support and connect the MARSD community.

Anyone interested in providing a monetary donation to MARSD Cares can contact Darlene Gallagher, Confidential Executive Secretary to the superintendent, at 732-705-4007 or dgallagher@marsd.org.