More Give A Christmas donations aided more needy families

Despite an economy that brought higher prices for almost everything in 2022, the public was even more generous with its Give A Christmas 2022 donations than last year, increasing its donations to help nearly 500 needy families give their children a happier holiday.

Nearly $80,000 was distributed this time.

And it's not too early to give for 2023 as donations received since Christmas will be applied to the 2023 program, co-sponsored by the Burlington County Times and the nonprofit, social services help agency New Jersey 211 (NJ 211). The renewed campaign for the more than 50-year-old fundraising program more formally will kick off in mid-fall.

The co-sponsors confirmed that 497 low-and moderate-income families with children ages 17 or younger received a combined total of 1,586 Amazon e-gift cards of $50 per child up to four children and also a $50 card for one parent in a family with less than four children.

The gifts were made using both $66,947 in new donations received between October 31 and Dec. 25 and more than $12,000 in donations received after the 2021 deadline campaign ended. The combined total was $79,300.

"While inflation has driven up the cost of basic goods higher than ever before, New Jersey still remains one of the wealthiest states in the U.S. ... and it looks like we're one of the most generous as well. Despite the belt-tightening that many families had to do this year, donations for the Give A Christmas program increased this year by 10 percent," said Kevin Donahue, chief operating officer for NJ211.

"That means more toys for more needy kids on Christmas morning. To everyone who gave, I truly can't thank you enough. Give A Christmas has been a long-running success, and we at NJ211 are happy to be part of it."

Recipient Cherae Brown of Beverly, a disabled mother of five who range from toddlers to a 13-year old teen daughter, said she received gift certificates again this year and used them to buy more games, toys, pajamas and other clothing necessities for her children.

"My kids were so happy. They just love board games. They got Family Feud this year and they're still playing Monopoly they got before," said Brown, who explained that she is on Social Security Disability Income, has difficulty standing and walking, lives in low-income housing, and says the father of four of her children pays no child support.

These are some of the other appreciative comments sent by recipient families to NJ 211 though their last names are being withheld for privacy reasons:

• "Thank you for blessing my family for Christmas!" wrote Jocilyn M.

• "I'm not sure how I received this, but I want to thank whomever made it possible! This will really help make my daughter's (and best friend's ) Christmas a little more special! With tears in my eyes, I am so grateful, and hope your holidays are wonderful!" Brenda S. said in a thank-you note.

• "Thank you for the Amazon.com Gift Card! My family and I really appreciate it so much. Merry Christmas." from Melanie B.

Donors, whose charitable contributions ranged from a few dollars to a few thousand dollars, also offered comments.

One anonymous family which traditionally had given $10,000 a year, raised its donation to $20,000, saying it was being given in memory of a loved one who was committed to contributing every year but had recently passed away.

"Remember the poor," was a reminder written by donor, while an anonymous Edgewater Park giver commented, "This is my first time giving. I know it is tough out there now. Every little bit helps (the needy)."

Since the program began in 1968 more than $3 million has been donated to many thousands of families. In the 2021 campaign, about $60,000 was collected and distributed to 330 eligible families.

More:Could a new, permanent homeless shelter come to Burlington County?

Audrey Harvin, Burlington County Times executive editor, also expressed a "heart-felt thank you" to all of the readers that contributed to the 2022 Give A Christmas program.

"I've been a part of this program for decades and I'm never disappointed by the generosity of our readers. Despite the tough economic climate that has touched most of us the past few years, it's wonderful to see that people still care about others and want to help," she explained."I'd also like to thank the people behind the scenes that make this program a success every year. They don't do it for accolades, but they deserve to be recognized for their hard work and dedication to helping these families have a happy holiday."For more information about Give A Christmas, including how to donate, visit burlingtoncountytimes.com/GiveAChristmas

For questions about the program, contact county times Executive Editor Audrey Harvin at aharvin@gannett.com

Carol Comegno loves telling stories about South Jersey life, history and military veterans for the Courier Post, Burlington County Times and The Daily Journal. If you have a story to share, call her at 609-533-0306 or email  ccomegno@gannettnj.com.

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This article originally appeared on Cherry Hill Courier-Post: Give a Christmas donors generous to the needy despite tougher times