NJCDC’s Annual Christmas Eve Party

Since NJCDC’s inception in 1994, we have sponsored a Christmas Eve holiday party for hundreds of disadvantaged Paterson children each year. This year’s event, held at St. Gerard’s Community Center, was our largest event to date. Over 200 families and 500 children received gifts, which were donated by dozens of local corporations as part of an annual drive led by NJCDC’s AmeriCorps program. This year over 2000 toys were donated, as well as hundreds of pounds of food. Guests enjoyed a variety of games and activities, and cheered as Santa Claus entered the party and met each child in attendance. Bob Guarasci, NJCDC’s President, commented that “this year’s drive and party confirmed my belief that local businesses care deeply about the needs of disadvantaged children and families, even in a tough economy.” NJCDC is especially thankful to our long-time sponsors of the event, Bill Albanese and Rosemary Ravella of A&A Construction Management, whose financial support continues to make the event possible. Special thanks also go to Vision General Construction for their support, as well as to firms like BD and Spencer Savings Bank for their significant donations of toys. And it’s hats off to NJCDC’s AmeriCorps members, who once again went above and beyond the call of duty to pull off such a successful drive and event.

To view photos from the event click here.