You're Invited To Celebrate Community And Charity With Santa At Toms River Elks Annual Festival Of Trees

As the holiday season approaches, it's time to come together in the spirit of giving and celebrate the magic of Christmas. We invite you to join us at the Toms River Elks Festival of Trees, a heartwarming event dedicated to showcasing the incredible work of local nonprofits.

The 2025 Festival of Trees will be held on Thursday, December 4, 2025 from 5-9 PM. The event will take place at the Toms River Elks Lodge, located at 600 Washington St., Toms River, NJ 08753. The Festival of Trees is an all ages event that is open to the public and free to attend.

The Toms River Elks Festival of Trees is a cherished tradition that brings together families, friends, and neighbors for an unforgettable evening of festive cheer and community unity. Picture a room filled with beautifully adorned Christmas trees, each one uniquely decorated by local nonprofits, conveying the essence of their missions and the incredible work they do day in and day out. It's a sight to behold! The theme of this year's event is color (as in crayons).

One of the highlights of the Festival of Trees is the opportunity to connect with various nonprofit organizations that serve our community. While admiring their decorated trees you have an opportunity to learn about the remarkable initiatives they champion. This event is not only a feast for the eyes but also a chance to discover the heart and soul of our community. Each organization will have a special mailbox where donations to the organization can be made.

As you stroll through the great hall you'll have the opportunity to cast your vote for your favorite trees. Each guest that attends the Festival of Trees will be given different tickets upon entrance. Each of those tickets may be used to place a vote in different contests being held. One of those contests is to determine the tree that best illustrates the theme of color. The other contest is to determine the tree the best reflects their organization's message. There will also be prizing for the best overall decorated tree. Monetary prizing will be awarded for all three contests. These contests let the community support their favorite nonprofit while adding a small element of friendly competition to the evening. There is also a fourth opportunity for one participating organization to win a prize if they are the organization that garners the most financial support from the community.

Twelve nonprofit organizations have trees on display this year.

A Need We Feed.
A Need We Feed delivers freshly packaged nutritious meals to our veterans, seniors and families in need throughout Ocean County. We are on a mission to fight hunger, which is rapidly growing in our community. To learn more about our organization, please visit our website at aneedwefeed.org.

All Fur One.
All Fur One (APO) is a volunteer run pet rescue & adoption center located in the Silverton section Toms River. We strive to reduce the homeless pet population by forming collaborative partnerships with shelters in underserved communities to offer transport, safety & long term assistance to rescued pets and their future adoptive families. We also have established initiatives to serve our local community such as our free vaccine clinics and our All Fur Food Pet Pantry. Visit Allfurone.org or phone 732-255-3871.

Arc, the Ocean County Chapter.
The Arc, Ocean County Chapter's mission is to advocate, provide opportunities and supports necessary for all individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities to be accepted and valued as citizens of the community in which they choose to live, learn, work and play. Visit www.arcocean.org to learn more or phone 732-363-3335.

Each Stitch Counts.
Each Stitch Counts provides dish soap with handmade cotton dishcloths and laundry detergent to local food pantries for families in need. Visit eachstitchcounts.org or phone 732-703-7357.

K's Kitten Rescue.
K’s Kitten Rescue is a foster-based cat and kitten rescue that primarily serves Ocean and Monmouth Counties. Our mission is to stabilize, nurture and socialize vulnerable kittens and find them permanent homes. We fully vet all cats and run vet and home checks on all adopters. K’s welcomes donations and is always looking for volunteers to help with our efforts. K’s recently opened K’s Catnip Corner, Ocean County’s only cat lounge, in Downtown Toms River. Visit www.kskittenrescue.org or phone 732-475-0222.

Ma Deuce Deuce.
Ma Deuce Deuce is a veteran advocacy 501c3 that raises awareness of the 22 a day suicide epidemic that strikes the veteran community. We rebuild lost camaraderie with vets here at home using a diversity of restorative and therapeutic programs at no cost to the veterans. Visit https://ma22.org.

Ocean County Family Support Organization.
FSO provides peer support, education and advocacy to parents and caregivers of children facing mental, behavioral or emotional health crisis. Youth Partnership is a social group for youths with emotional, behavioral or mental health challenges that encourages connection with peers in a stigma-free and welcoming environment. Visit www.oceanfso.org or phone 732-569-6334.

Providence House Domestic Violence Services of Ocean County.
Providence House Domestic Violence Services of Catholic Charities serves survivors of domestic violence in Ocean County, including a 24/7 hotline, shelter, and wraparound services. Purple is the color of domestic violence awareness, which will be represented on our tree. Love shouldn’t hurt. Telephone 732-350-2120. or visit www.catholiccharitiestrenton.org/domestic-violence-services/.

Team Allie.
Team Allie is a nonprofit organization committed to raising money for children with special needs. We strive to enrich the lives of these children. We are raising money for Camp Moore to be able to purchase supplies and make improvements as needed.

Toms River Artist Community (TRAC).
The mission of the group is two fold. First, to strengthen the artist community by creating an affordable, active and vibrant environment, where local artists can work, teach, and exhibit their art- thus enriching the culture and the arts in our local community. Second, by enriching the local community, we hope to serve as part of the catalyst for revitalization in Downtown Toms River. The Vision: To enrich our community with the arts. To be inclusive to everyone, no matter of race, creed, disability, financial ability, or sexual orientation. Visit www.trac732.org.

Vetwork.
Vetwork is a nonprofit 501c3 organization operated by veterans dedicated to meeting the immediate and long term needs of Ocean County’s veteran community. Our programs include a veterans transportation program, a veterans food pantry, assistance with VA paperwork and emergency housing assistance. We help veterans retrieve military records and register for their VA benefits. We proudly serve those who have served us. Visit www.vetwork.org.

Wild Exotics.
Wild Exotics Animal Refuge is dedicated to rescuing, rehabilitating, and advocating for exotic animals in need throughout New Jersey. We provide lifelong sanctuary or responsible placement for animals who cannot remain in their homes, while educating the community about the realities of the exotic-pet trade. Our mission goes beyond rescue—we work to prevent future surrenders through compassionate outreach, accessible education programs, and support for caretakers. Visit wearsaves.org or phone 732-716-2629.

This event was designed with families in mind, ensuring there's something for everyone to enjoy. Children can enjoy a holiday craft, letting their creativity shine as they make cherished keepsakes. And what's a holiday event without tasty refreshments? Savor the flavors of the season as you sip on hot cocoa and nibble on delicious treats. And don't miss the s'mores bar! Santa will be there as well!
The Festival of Trees is not just a celebration of the holiday season, but also a way for our community to come together and support the organizations that make a real difference in the lives of those in need. It's a chance to give back and help these nonprofits continue their invaluable work.

The Benevolent and Protective Order of the Elks spends more than $80,000,000 every year for benevolent, educational and patriotic community-minded programs in such fields as benefitting special needs children, sponsoring Elks National Foundation scholarships, scouting, athletic teams, veterans’ works, a national “Hoop Shoot” free-throw contest involving more than 3 million children, physical and occupational therapy programs and patriotic programs.

Toms River Elks Lodge #1875 is one of eleven lodges in the Southeast District of New Jersey. The lodges in the Southeast district are Asbury Park/Wall, Bayville, Brick, Howell, Jackson, Lacey, Lakewood, Manahawkin, Manasquan, Point Pleasant and Toms River. The Toms River Elks Lodge is committed to serving its 1,200+ members and the community of Toms River and surrounding areas, as well as Southeast District, State and National Elks programs.

Mark your calendar and invite your family, friends, and neighbors to the Festival of Trees. Let's make this holiday season a time of togetherness, community spirit, and giving. Together, we can create a brighter future for our community and celebrate the true meaning of the season.

Remember, the more, the merrier! So, bring your holiday spirit and join us for an evening filled with joy, inspiration, and the magic of the Festival of Trees.

For more information and updates, please visit our website tomsriverelks.org.

Let's make this holiday season truly special by celebrating together at the Festival of Trees. We can't wait to see you there!