'Tis The Season To Be Generous

Toys upon toys were brought into the garage as cars pulled up and trunks of jeeps emptied, from Barbie dolls, to stuffed teddy bears, to train sets.

This bounty appeared at the DPW garage on East River Road behind Rumson Borough Hall as part of  the annual toy drive that wrapped up this past weekend.

James Mellish, DPW employee, said donors were generous, "Some people even bring bicycles. It's great to give to the kids."

This annual toy drive began by creation of Mark Wellner, in memory of Pete Pauels Jr. of Rumson, and has been growing ever since. The Department of Public Works took it upon themselves to give to needy children during the holiday season, not only collecting toys but organizing and publicizing the entire event. This is the tenth year the DPW has sponsored the drive.

Throughout the years, participation from the community has grown rapidly. "We usually get between 500-700 gifts. Last year we received 900 and this year we are shooting for 1,000," Larry D'Angelo said, coordinator of the toy drive.

The toys collected benefit the Salvation Army of Red Bank and Family and Children Services of Long Branch.

"It's beautiful, it's meaningful and it's the spirit of Christmas," Councilwoman Joan DeVoe said.

Elise Boman, Rumson resident has been bringing toys to the drive every year, "It's a great cause. They are good to everyone and its time to be good to everyone else. It is time to give back."

The drive had the spirit of a party. There were candy canes, holiday music, hot chocolate and a Christmas tree to get people into the giving spirit.

Children who participated in the toy drive were encouraged to enter a raffle to win free prizes. Fiesta Products donated their Head Chefs cookware for children as a raffle prize.  This was Fiesta Products' first year donating to the cause. President David Ciambrone said, "It's for the kids."

Local businesses also donated prizes for children who participated in the toy drive. Murray MacGregors, and donated gift certificates and free bagels to each raffle winner.

Though D'Angelao is considered the coordinator of the toy drive, the DPW employees say the event is really a group effort. "We all do this together. It is not a single effort," D'Angelo said, "Mark Wellner is in charge of everything and I assisted him, along with everyone else."

"This year we would like to adopt a family, but next year we definitely will," D'Angelo said, "It would be meaningful to deliver the presents to the actual faces of the people we are helping."