In the spirit of giving this holiday season, let us remember to extend those feelings of goodwill toward children in need within Hudson County. With just a simple toy, book, or pair of pajamas, you can make a world of difference in the life of an impoverished child.
Studies, including those by the National Institute for Early Education Research, show infant toys are critical for brain growth and motor skill development that affects learning later in life. Older children without toys are more likely to be involved in fighting or other negative behaviors. On the other hand, when a neglected child receives a game or toy donation, he can develop necessary social skills, such as sharing. Because play is essential for children to lead happy, healthy, and productive lives, all children need at least simple toys like balls, blocks, costumes and crayons.
According to the National Center for Children in Poverty, there are over 29 million needy children in the U.S. Hudson County has the highest poverty rate in New Jersey–24% of children between 5 and 17 years old lived below the poverty line in 2008. These children have little inspiration for imaginative, fulfilled lives that all children deserve. When you donate a toy to a needy child, you provide a positive outlet for the child's energy and creativity.
HFA hopes to help children in need feel comforted and loved. When you donate, you provide them inspiration and a glimmer of hope. This holiday season, we offer two local donation options. Both drives will run concurrently and have the same drop off locations:
When: November 19th – December 22nd
Where: Drop off items at three Hoboken locations:
• Club H, 110 Sinatra Drive (7 am – 7 pm)
• Big Fun Toys, 602 Washington St. (11 am – 7 pm)
• New York Sports Club, 210 14th St. (7 am – 7 pm)
Pajama and Book Program
HFA is joining the Pajama Program, a 501 (c) (3) charity, to collect new pajamas and new books for homeless and needy children, many of whom are waiting and hoping to be adopted. By providing pajamas and books, we are helping to create a warm and nurturing bedtime environment for vulnerable children and young adults living under difficult circumstances.
Many of these youngsters have been abused or abandoned and in many cases, have never enjoyed the simple comfort of having a loving mother or father tuck them in at bedtime. Through the Pajama Program, we hope to contribute to a warmer, more loving environment for these children.
Pajamas must be new and unused for all sizes, infant to 17.
Toy Drive
Toy donations can bring a smile to the face of a Hudson County child who may otherwise not have received any gifts. We request all donated gifts be new and unwrapped. Toys will be collected for ages infant to 17. Any donation of any size brings holiday cheer for a child. The items are often given to families who cannot afford to buy presents, so the children can open a gift that is given to them by a loved one, not a charity.
We truly appreciate your consideration. Happy Holidays!