Newark Nonprofit UCC Distributes Free Halloween Costumes, Groceries to 250-plus Community Members

NEWARK — United Community Corporation (UCC) celebrated the spirit of giving back this fall at its annual Harvest Fest, bringing free resources and seasonal support to more than 250 Greater Newark residents.

The event, hosted Oct. 22 at the West Side Park Community Center in Newark, featured a distribution of free groceries, fall holiday costumes for children donated by Jersey Cares, winter hats, clothing, and accessories, ensuring families are well-prepared for the colder months ahead. Additionally, UCC’s Food Assistance staff prepared coffee, hot chocolate, bagels, and warm treats on-site for attendees.

Families also received information about UCC’s services and programs, including rental assistance, weatherization, youth, family and senior services, youth education and workforce development.
Adding an engaging educational element to the celebration, young people enrolled in UCC’s NJ BUILD program led live construction demonstrations to attendees, highlighting the skills and lessons they have gained through their training.

“What makes events like Harvest Fest so important this time of year is that as the weather gets colder and the holidays approach, many families are balancing the excitement of the season with financial and household challenges,” said UCC Executive Director Craig Mainor. “By providing groceries, clothing and even something as simple as a Halloween costume, we are helping families meet immediate needs while spreading joy and unity throughout the community.”

The event served as both a celebration and a reminder of UCC’s commitment to meet people where they are by addressing food insecurity, providing warmth, and fostering a sense of togetherness as the year ends.

UCC was joined at the event by various community partners and resource providers who distributed materials and information to help residents understand the wide range of outreach services available to them.

Distribution events like Harvest Fest not only to bring the community together to help them access the vital resources and services people need, but to do it in a welcoming and inviting space where they feel comfortable receiving assistance.

“We believe that everyone deserves to feel supported and seen,” Mainor said. “We want to provide our community to know it’s okay to ask for help and receive the resources available to them.”
This year’s Harvest Fest was made possible by UCC partners and supporters Wellpoint, the City of Newark and Deputy Mayor Jacqueline Quiles’ office, Peapack Private, RWJBarnabas Health, the New Jersey Department of Community Affairs (DCA), Newark Centers of Hope, and Essex County.

Young people from the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and Great Oaks Legacy Charter School generously donated their time and efforts to volunteering at the event, which helped better serve more attendees.

For more information regarding UCC’s services and programs, visit uccnewark.org.