While the holidays are frequently viewed as a time of joy and excitement, they can often emphasize the disparity between families, causing stress and strife to build. To reduce the pressure and comparison many families face, Acenda works with community partners and donors to provide toys and gifts for hundreds of our clients. For 30 years, we have spent countless hours organizing donations, recipient needs, and pick-up schedules, all in an effort to bring a little sparkle to the holiday season for those we serve.
Our 2024 Spirit of the Holidays toy drive was truly magical. We spent all of November and early December collecting toys and donations from all over New Jersey and Pennsylvania. Beginning on December 9th, we invited our employees to Acenda’s headquarters to pick out toys and gifts for their clients, making sure each child would receive something that suited their age and interests. Thanks to the help of our many, generous donors, we were able to provide toys for nearly 1,500 children across New Jersey.
Key Highlights
This year, our amazing community partners and donors were quick to celebrate the start of the holiday season by sending in hundreds of toys. We were delighted to receive so many donations for kids of all ages. As always, we want to ensure that the holidays are special for every child, and the donations we receive help us to do so.
We extend our deep gratitude to all of our donors, including PSE&G, DeSimone Construction, Recupero Construction, Eagle Wealth Strategies, Sykora Family Foundation, Barretta Tile and Stone Co., Customized Cabinets, ABI Companies, Inc., Environmental Resolutions, Inc., the Insulation Co., Joseph’s Landscaping, Ruggieri & Partners, Glassboro Lumber, Textro Overhead Doors, Budd’s Pools & Spas, Glendale Excavating, Danely-Lewis Builders, MP Contract Flooring, Marone Contractors, Inc., and Bell Supply, Inc. Each and every donation is essential in allowing us to provide toys for more children each year. We know that each of our recipients and their families are indescribably grateful to everyone who worked to give their holidays a little extra sparkle!
Stephanie Taylor, BA, Director of Communications and Events at Acenda, shared, "The incredible success of this year’s Spirit of the Holidays toy drive would not have been possible without the unwavering support of our donors, partners, and community members. Your generosity and commitment to our mission allow us to bring joy and hope to so many families during the holiday season. From the bottom of our hearts, thank you for making the magic happen."
The collective effort from each of these organizations and all of the individuals who donated for this year’s toy drive made our 30th Spirit of the Holidays one for the books. We are deeply thankful for your continued support each year and cannot wait to make more holiday magic for many years to come!
In the New Year
As we dive into 2025, we are preparing for our annual Golf fundraiser in the spring, where we will be raising funds to support the many programs Acenda offers for children, individuals, and families across New Jersey. For updates on upcoming Acenda events and ways to get involved, please subscribe to our community newsletter or follow us on social.