200 Newark Kids Treated To $100 Holiday Shopping Spree

NEWARK, NJ — The following news release comes courtesy of the United Community Corporation. Find out how to post announcements or events to your local Patch site.

There was no shortage of holiday cheer in Newark this week as more than two hundred children enjoyed the thrill and excitement of a $100 shopping spree in the city’s downtown corridor as part of United Community Corporation’s 3rd annual "Shop With a Hero" event.

This year’s campaign, which was held in partnership with the City of Newark, identified 250 children who were eligible to receive a $100 donated gift card and shop for holiday gifts alongside local heroes, including police officers, firefighters, doctors nurses, EMTs, educators and community leaders. Shop With a Hero not only fosters positive relationships between local heroes and the youth but also brings the spirit of giving to Newark during the holiday season.

The campaign has grown since its inception just two years ago when it was first held inside the rotunda at Newark City Hall. This year’s event moved to the Prudential Center arena downtown to include even more children and heroes while strengthening a sense of connection and creating lifelong memories.

“This year's 'Shop With a Hero' was truly exceptional,” UCC Executive Director Craig Mainor said. “Witnessing the smiles on the faces of the children as they shopped alongside our local heroes was a reminder of the profound impact we can have when we come together as a community. During this time of year, it's not just about the presents; it's about the priceless gift of giving back and creating lasting memories for our youth. The support from the City of Newark and our partners exemplifies the true meaning of the season – a time to uplift and bring joy to those who need it most.”

“Receiving the smallest act of generosity can serve as a lifelong anchor for our sense of self-worth and belonging – and this year, looking into the children’s eyes, I saw once again how this annual event does just that,” Newark Mayor Ras Baraka said. “Beyond creating a truly joyful holiday memory, Shop With a Hero fosters trust and friendship with our public service professionals. These kids may not remember that they received gift cards, but they will remember having the undivided attention of a hero to help them pick out a special present for themselves. I am grateful to UCC, Amerigroup, Devils Youth Foundation, TEA Corp, Peapack-Gladstone Bank, and all their supporters, who make this day possible.”

“I want to thank UCC, our first responders, Prudential and all of our sponsors for putting a smile on kids this holiday season,” Newark Deputy Mayor Jacqueline Quiles said. “We are a united community that looks after each other in a time of need. Everyone involved in this event is a hero from the people that open the doors to all the volunteers.”

“It’s important to give these kids a pleasant day towards the holidays and inspire them,” Newark Public Safety Director Fritz Fragé said. “It’s always a great event for these kids to look up to our first responders.”

In addition to the shopping spree, Shop With a Hero provided attendees with a full morning of holiday festivities. As the children, their families and heroes arrived Dec. 17 at the Prudential Center, they were treated to entertainment by DJ Alavarez, enjoyed snacks and opening remarks from various community officials before they were sent on their way to shop.

Once a child was paired up with their respective hero, they were escorted throughout the downtown where local businesses also received an economic boost from the campaign as youth filtered into stores along Broad and Market streets to shop for a coveted gift. After shopping, the children and their paired heroes returned to the Prudential Center to receive a donated gift, books and a bag of groceries.

Marking another successful Shop With a Hero, this year’s campaign witnessed an outpouring of support from various stakeholders and key contributors, including the UCC Board of Directors, UCC partner Amerigroup, the Devils Youth Foundation, Prudential, Peapack-Gladstone Bank, TEA Corp, Nirvana Healthcare, Newark Beth Israel Medical Center, Clara Mass Medical Center, Newark Teacher’s Union, Newark Department of Public Safety, Essex County Cops 4 Kids, NJIT Police Department, New Jersey State Police, Rutgers University Police, and a host of various supporters. Their commitment to making a positive impact in the community enhanced the campaign’s reach and impact.

“When I first sat down with Craig [Mainor]and talked about this event, we knew we needed to make this an inclusive event to everyone that is a hero. We appreciate all of our heroes, and to everyone that volunteered their time – we appreciate you,” said UCC Board Chairperson John Jewell. “When the heroes are out there with the kids, it’s a time for them to get to know each other.”

“The New Jersey Devils, Prudential Center and the Devils Youth Foundation were truly privileged to play host to UCC's third annual Shop with a Hero event,” Devils Youth Foundation Executive Director Kate Whitman Annis said. “Witnessing the extraordinary community heroes – from dedicated doctors and nurses to firefighters and police officers – engage with the children in our area was nothing short of awe-inspiring. We look forward to partnering with UCC to grow this remarkable community event at the Prudential Center.”

“Amerigroup is proud to partner with UCC to sponsor Shop With a Hero 2023,” Amerigroup Health Promotion Consultant Margarita Valentin said. “This is a wonderful example of the community coming together to make the holidays special for local children and their families.”

“Throughout the years, Peapack-Gladstone Bank representatives brought smiles to the faces of Newark youth through the United Community Corporation Shop With a Hero event,” a Peapack-Gladstone Bank representative said. “Teaming up with children as they ventured out to shop in the community, bank employees, Carolina Rozewski, Assistant Vice President, Community Development Officer, and Amaro Pereira, Vice President, Sales Manager, brought joy to local families during this festive time of year. The bank takes pride in supporting youth in our communities and is proud to once again provide financial and hands-on support to UCC’s 2023 Shop With a Hero.”

Here is what other supporters and heroes had to say about this year’s Shop With a Hero:

“It’s nice to be taking part in an event like this where we have kids in this community who, a lot of times, do not get to see people who look like them or speak like them and do things for them who are successful in their careers and doing a lot of things for the community. It’s nice for the families and the kids, and we get to represent our organization. Plus, our organization has offices in this community, so we want to provide to them,” said Iris Acosta, an Advanced Practice Nurse at Nirvana Healthcare.

"It was an honor to participate in the Shop With a Hero Event with the Nirvana Healthcare team," said Maria Conn, a Medical Doctor at Nirvana Healthcare.

"These events are very impactful as they allow us to give back and invest in the next generation," Conn said. "It was rewarding to share our time with the children because these experiences can serve as powerful inspiration for them to pursue their dreams."

“It’s important for law enforcement to give back to the community to improve our image for young kids. A child needs to know that they can turn to any one of their heroes at any given time when they need them – and what better time to do that than around the holidays?” Essex County Cops 4 Kids Executive Director Armando Aviles said.

“I remember when I was a kid and seeing police officers, and I recognized Santa. So, if I can dress like Santa and kids can open their eyes and have them realize that I can be a cop at the same time, I will do it. It’s about bridging the gap between good officers and the community, so whatever I can do on my part to make sure these kids see and recognize our faces, I will do it,” Newark Police Division Det. Maurice McKelvin said.

Don’t forget to visit the Patch Newark Facebook page. Send local news tips and correction requests to eric.kiefer@patch.com. Learn more about advertising on Patch here.