CHRISTMAS EXCHANGE: Hoboken Grace Spreads Joy to Hundreds of Area Families

This past Saturday 486 people received gifts at the Hoboken Christmas Exchange. The event gave the community a chance to help make a memorable Christmas for families in-need.

Over 500 people signed up to adopt a family or child, dropping off wrapped presents at Hoboken Grace throughout the previous week so that families in need could come and pick up their gifts.

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

Hoboken Grace worked with the Hoboken Housing Authority, HOPES, HUMC Neighborhood Health Center, Hoboken Family Planning and In Good Counsel to identify families in-need.

“I have been crying since the event started,” said Kara Cohen, one of the event organizers. “I was at a loss for words much of the night.” She describes the moment when a parent received a dining room table. “I don’t think she was expecting this table but she was so happy when she saw her present. Her happiness and thankfulness also made everyone emotional.”

When we asked Kara what inspired her to start this wonderful initiative last year, she said “ 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.”

About Hoboken Grace

Hoboken Grace is a contemporary, non-denominational Christian Church in Hoboken, NJ. The mission of the church is to help people find their way back to God. Hoboken Grace offers three services on Sundays, 9:30 a.m., 11:00 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. at 301 Garden Street. To learn more about Hoboken Grace visit hobokengrace.com.