Update Dec. 23 - The sign in front states 1490 toys but there are at least another 10 delivered since then. This means my real estate office collected 1500 toys to be distributed by local charities to children in Sussex County NJ. I do believe this is about DOUBLE what was collected last year.
In tough economic times, it brings tears to my eyes to realize how many struggling folks cared enough to help their neighbors who are struggling more! Thank you all for bringing joy to the needy!
For toys left at the Hamburg real estate office, they will be distributed to Sussex County NJ children by several charitable organizations.
In 2008, good-hearted folks dropped off more than 700 items in my office alone! That is a lot of joy destined for the less fortunate in our neighborhoods.
Almost all who bring in gifts say times are tight but that they know things are tougher on others. Some children take one item off their own wish list and donate it to the less fortunate.
"Let's give them a holiday to remember" is Weichert's slogan for the 31st Holiday Toy Drive - and one that inspires me to be even more giving this year.
Remember that toys should be dropped off:
New
Not wrapped
Through December 11.
Copyright © 2009, Irene Kennedy, all rights reserved. This blog post represents Irene's personal musings.
Considering selling a home or looking to buy one around Sussex County NJ? Benefit from creative marketing, top negotiating skills and vast real estate knowledge by contacting Irene via the data to the right.
Irene Kennedy, who is a NJ real estate agent with Weichert, Realtors, lives in Sussex County & works from the Hamburg office. Her primary market includes: Augusta, Branchville, Crystal Springs, Frankford, Franklin, Hamburg, Hampton, Hardyston, Highland Lakes, Lake Mohawk, Newton, Ogdensburg, Scenic Lakes, Sparta, Stockholm, Sussex, Vernon, Wantage.
Irene!!!! Isn't this a wonderful thing to do. Our local board has been involved in a similar thing for many years. And today this is mandatory IMHO. So many families are suffering, and a simple act of kindness, even a $5 gift can make a difference in someones life.
Take care, good to see you!!!!!
Irene - This is an excellent drive, hopefully you will get a lot of gifts.
Irene, drives like this always warm my heart for the kids in need this time of year. Thanks for the promotion. Hope more people learn of it.
Irene, I hope they get over and donate. It's wonderful that your office is helping make the holidays easier for some people.
This is a good thing. We see a lot of negative things in the world but it is the good things that really matter. Good luck!
Andrea - I would much rather forgo another sweater and picture a child's eyes light up over a present. And, yes, Chip knows this!
Michelle - The response from the community is always wonderful. One year I got a phone call from the driver of an 18-wheeler who wouldn't be able to get into our parking lot. I had to be prepared to run out in the rain while he held up traffic to drop off 2 bikes and a big bag of toys. And I and 1 collegue were delighted to do so, given the generosity of this hard-working truck driver.
Gary Wotal - We've already had many donate items. Sussex County NJ is full of loving folks, as I'm sure is Dallas Ft. Worth.
Carole - What I especially love is that we don't force folks to buy a house when they come to drop off toys!
Gary Waters - Like you, I believe most folks have their values straight. It is delightful to see the growing toy mountain of proof.
Hi Irene !
Great cause - we do the same thing with our Network group. It's the least we who have plenty can do.
Hope you are well !
Sheldon
This is a wonderful cause, one that I always donate to. I will be sure to add some toys to our local collection again this year!
Cheers, Sheldon! Glad you are also spreading joy.
Sharon - No doubt your generosity will brighten the holidays for some deserving children.
hello. if anyone can help my family with christmas gifts this year i would really appreciate it..i do not know where else to turn to. we are a very low income family i have 3 kids 2 girls ages 9 and 3 and one boy age 6. if anyone out there can help please give me a call my nymber is 201-220-5209 i live in lodi nj. i hope someone out there can help my family thanks and god bless!!!
Karyn,
I just spoke with Robert Gavura. He is the manager of Weichert's Fair Lawn office, which covers the Lodi area. He will be contacting you to help hook you up with one of the groups that will distribute in your area.
A very Merry Christmas to you and your 3 children!
You all have down a great thing and I commend you for making the lives of some happier!
Gary - The community response was better than ever. To think we worried that donations would be down because of the tight economy!