RED BANK — It was beginning to look a lot like the North Pole as dozens of elves turned Tower Hill First Presbyterian Church in Red Bank into Santa’s workshop on Dec. 10.
The halls were filled with toys, stuffed animals, musical instruments and holiday presents, welcoming hundreds of financially insecure families as they browsed for gifts for their children during the Lunch Break annual Holiday Toy and Gift Card Giveaway, according to a press release.
In late fall, Lunch Break, a social service organization and food pantry, transformed its headquarters at 121 Drs. James Parker Blvd. into a winter workshop, courtesy of business community members and supporters who got into the holiday spirit by purchasing new toys and gift cards for children ages newborn to 17 years. All were provided to families free of charge.
It’s the most wonderful time of the year at Lunch Break, when hundreds of holiday gifts – assembled and ready for transport to Tower Hill Church – fill every nook and cranny, awaiting final destination into the arms of unsuspecting children on Christmas Day. And this year, 500-plus holiday trees, generously donated by Kings of Christmas, were offered to families as an added surprise, according to the press release.
“We could not be more thrilled about this year’s turnout. So many families were treated to toys, gifts and trees,” Lunch Break Executive Director Gwendolyn Love said. “I am grateful to our community partners and donors, Tower Hill Church members, Kings of Christmas, Community Engagement Director Kathy Williams and her team, as well as our incredible volunteers for making this giveaway a complete success. We could not do it without their support.”
