HOBOKEN CHRISTMAS EXCHANGE: Annual Event by Hoboken Grace Unites 2,300 in Generous Display of Holiday Cheer

(via Hoboken Grace)

This past Saturday more than 1,200 family members and children received gifts at the Hoboken Christmas Exchange. The event gave the community a chance to help make a memorable Christmas for families in need.

150 volunteers helped to deliver the gifts while over 1,000 people signed up to participate in the event to adopt a family or child. They were able to drop off their wrapped presents over the past week so that on Saturday all the families in need could come and pick up their gifts.

“Children will open clothes, toys and other items from their wish list on Christmas morning while parents received much needed household items like pots and pans, bedding and toiletries, diapers and towels.” said Anthony Reimer, Outreach Director at Hoboken Grace.

Hoboken Grace worked with Hoboken Housing Authority, HOPES, North Hudson Community Action Corps , Hoboken Family Planning and The Jubilee Center to identify families in need.

The conception of the event started 3 years ago when one church attendee decided to love families on her own. In 2014, Kara Cohen of Hoboken loaded a U-Haul with her husband and in-laws and distributed gifts to families at the Hoboken Housing Authority.

“I have been loved unconditionally and maybe others will feel that they are loved the same way by our God as a result of this event.”

Hoboken Grace is a contemporary, non-denominational Christian Church in Hoboken at 301 Garden Street.  To learn more about Hoboken Grace visit hobokengrace.com.