Winter Wonderland Holiday Celebration

On a chilly evening in December, hearts were warmed with cheer at the annual holiday party for our families. Members of Family Promise’s Youth Council for the Homeless magically transformed Christ Church in Hackensack into a winter wonderland, complete with life-sized snowmen, twinkling lights, colorful garlands, a gingerbread house making station, holiday music, and, of course, a Hanukah menorah and beautifully decorated Christmas tree. Youth Council members spent months planning this fun and festive evening featuring games and dancing, plus they donated and assembled “Family Night” gift packages, which included hot cocoa, treats, decorations, a board game, and more. Children were thrilled to have their faces painted by Dolly the Clown, and kids and adults alike went home with bags full of books chosen at a plentiful book fair. The highlight of the evening was the highly anticipated arrival of Santa Claus, who spent time chatting with each child (even the teens!).

Thank you to the many generous individuals, organizations, and businesses who donated to our Holiday Giving Fund this year, with significant support from Eisai, Rebecca Day (Realtor with Sotheby’s Prominent Properties), Rockland Electric Company, Sharp Electronics, N&V International, and Freedom Bank. Special thanks to Youth Council for the Homeless co directors Alina Albano and Sheila Verna, Sue Hill, Rebecca Esposito, Eileen McCann, the Morris Family and Friends, Crestron Electric, and “special guest” Tommy Mergola for making the evening so merry and bright for the families we serve.