Mercy House Holds Holiday Giveaways In North Jersey: Toys, Coats, Turkeys

NEWARK, NJ — Thousands of new toys have been distributed to hundreds of families in North Jersey as part of the Newark archdiocese’s latest “Christmas Gift Giveaway” event.

The Archdiocese of Newark’s Mercy House recently helped make Christmas a little merrier for local families in need, handing out toys to 600 thankful parents during the first two days of its annual giveaway on Dec. 16 in Newark and Dec. 17 in Elizabeth. This year’s effort also included an event in Jersey City on Dec. 22.

Mercy House staff and volunteers distributed one gift per child, plus wrapping paper and a small stocking stuffer. Families with young children received dolls, balls, games and other fun toys, while parents of teenagers were given age-appropriate items like baseball caps and makeup kits. Several bicycles were also raffled off to a few lucky winners.

In total, Mercy House expected to distribute over 3,000 toys to more than 1,000 families by the end of the three-day event – the largest Christmas giveaway in its history.

Founded in 2018, Mercy House provides nonperishable food, clothing, baby supplies, furniture and assistance with finding work and housing for anyone in need. Its three locations in Newark, Jersey City and Elizabeth serve nearly 300 people weekly.

For more information about donating or volunteering, contact cheryl.riley@rcan.org or visit www.rcan.org/mercy-house.

COAT GIVEAWAY, TURKEYS

Mercy House has also been holding other recent holiday giveaways for in-need families over the past few months.

In November, smiles and scarves filled the halls of the Mercy House as more than 600 winter coats and other cold weather essentials were distributed to people in need during the archdiocese’s annual Winter Coat Giveaway from Nov. 3 to Nov. 5 in Jersey City, Newark and Elizabeth.

Staff and volunteers at each location, including student helpers from Seton Hall University, provided more than 200 coats for men, women and children of all ages. They also distributed hats, gloves, pajamas and other winter clothing. Additionally, to help community members save money and energy, Mercy House offered PSE&G kits containing conservation tools, such as faucet aerators and efficient-flow showerheads.

Later that month, the archdiocese gave out nearly 800 turkeys during a Thanksgiving event in the three above cities.

Along with the poultry, visitors received large bags filled with fresh produce, stuffing, cranberry sauce and everything else needed to prepare a holiday feast. Several raffle winners even took home major prizes like new blankets and a dinnerware set.

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