Neighbor News
embrella Partners with P.B.A. and Princeton Marriott to Bring Statewide Holiday Joy to Foster Families
Thousands of toys are expected to be collected and distributed to children and youth in foster care and the community can help.
PRINCETON, N.J., November 2025 – embrella has partnered with the New Jersey State Policemen’s Benevolent Association (P.B.A.) and the Princeton Marriott at Forrestal to spread holiday cheer to children, youth, and families involved with foster care throughout New Jersey.
In early December, thousands of toys will arrive at the Princeton Marriott at Forrestal, as festive lights and excitement mark the start of the holiday season for the volunteers and embrella staff who make this event possible. The hotel has generously donated space to host embrella’s Central New Jersey Holiday Pop-Up Shop and will also serve as the sorting and distribution hub for thousands of toys sent to additional northern and southern Pop-Up Shop locations. Foster families then schedule times to select meaningful gifts that bring joy to the children and youth in their care.
This large-scale annual effort is made possible by two dedicated P.B.A. members, Vito Spadea and Joe Dudley, who volunteer each year to design and sell one-of-a-kind custom coins. Proceeds from these coins fund a major holiday shopping spree at the Flemington Walmart. This year’s limited-edition coin, inspired by A Christmas Story, supports the purchase of toys for foster youth across the state. To support this effort by purchasing a coin, visit https://forms.gle/oxDmitPj2b6kJo3JA. Quantities are limited, and the coin’s theme changes each year.
Find out what's happening in Princetonfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
Give a Toy, Enjoy a Movie
Families and community members can participate in local movie events to support foster children this holiday season:
Find out what's happening in Princetonfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
Reading Cinemas in Manville
Hosted by Manville P.B.A. 236 and Hillsborough P.B.A. 205
Saturday, December 6 – Doors open at 2 p.m.
Admission: One new, unwrapped toy per person.
Movies: Home Alone and How the Grinch Stole Christmas
Dunellen Theatre & Zupko’s Tavern
Hosted by Piscataway P.B.A. 93 and Dunellen P.B.A. 146
Friday, December 5 – Adults-only event with food and drinks provided by Zupko’s.
Saturday, December 6 – Family Day, with movie and showtimes to be announced.
A Season of Gratitude and Giving
“Through the generosity of the P.B.A., the Princeton Marriott, and dedicated volunteers like Vito and Joe, we’re able to bring hope and joy to foster and kinship families across New Jersey, reminding them that they are valued, supported, and never alone,” said Michele Rodriguez of embrella.
Through partnerships like these, thousands of gifts will reach children and youth in foster care throughout New Jersey, showing how collective generosity can create a lasting ripple of kindness and connection.
About embrella
embrella’s mission is to embrace, support, and advocate for children, youth, and families within the child welfare community. In partnership with the New Jersey Department of Children and Families (DCF), embrella provides statewide Family Support and Scholarship programs that offer advocacy, training, scholarships, and mentorship. Building on this foundation, its privately funded Dreamers & Believers and The Bag Project programs provide essential items, enriching opportunities, and meaningful experiences for children and youth in care. To learn more, volunteer, or donate, visit www.embrella.org.
