Turtle Back Zoo Visitors Donate Tons Of Food During Holiday Drive

ESSEX COUNTY, NJ — More than 80,000 people paid a visit to the Holiday Lights Spectacular at the Turtle Back Zoo this year, showing their holiday spirit by donating a bounty of food, clothing and toys for neighbors in need.

The county-run zoo’s free, annual event has become a popular family outing in North Jersey. Admission is free. However, as in years past, the zoo collected non-perishable food items, new and unwrapped toys, and new/gently used winter coats.

This year’s event was just as popular as ever, with 83,430 people showing up to take a look at the million-plus lights that glittered throughout the zoo, which is located in West Orange.

Apparently, the holiday event also sparked some serious generosity.

From mid-November through Dec. 31, county officials said that 26,955 pounds of non-perishable food – almost 13.5 tons – was collected for the Community FoodBank of NJ. In addition, guests donated 3,976 new toys and 205 bags of used winter coats.

These items were donated to the Essex County Sheriff’s Office Toy Drive, Seton Hall University DOVE in South Orange, NJ Heist, Inc., TeamPAR, East Orange YMCA, Iglesias Cristiana Emanuel, Inc. in Newark, The Salvation Army branch in Montclair, Ukrainian American Youth Association, Inc. in Irvington, Jersey Cares in Livingston, Urban Renewal Corp. in Newark, Gabby’s Annual Holiday Toy Drive at Newark Beth Israel Medical Center, Tainos Unidos LLC in Newark, Milagro’s Angels in Union, NJ Performing Arts Center in partnership with Mt. Zion AME Church, Essex County Vocational Schools, the Essex County Division of Public Health Management and Catholic Charities in Newark.

“It is humbling to see the large number of items dropped off at the Holiday Lights Spectacular to assist the less fortunate,” Essex County Executive Joseph DiVincenzo Jr. said.

“These donations show the generous spirit and caring that exists in our community and certainly helped make a difference during the holiday season to those who need assistance,” DiVincenzo said.

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