Rumson DPW Spreads Christmas Cheer and Goodwill to Area Children

While most of the population was out scouring the malls – or taking in Christmas light displays at local homes – the fellows at (DPW) had other things on their minds.

The crew did the work of Santa’s elves to spread some holiday cheer and goodwill by holding the 11th annual DPW Toy Drive Dec. 9 from 4-7 p.m., and Dec. 10 from 7:30 a.m.-1 p.m.

“I feel great doing this – we give back to the community, and all the DPW workers feel the same way,” said Larry D’Angelo, Rumson, a DPW Road Department laborer. “We’ve been doing it 11 years. DPW Superintendent Mark Wellner started this in memory of Pete Pauels who was an employee here who passed away suddenly, and it’s just grown since then.”

According to D'Angelo, they collected 918 toys and with the help of a donation from and a two-thousand dollar donation from a Rumson resident, they came to a grand total of one-thousand and fifty toys. That total is the most in the history of the drive. The drive normally receives 600-800 toys.

“There should be a bunch of lucky children come Christmas,” said Mike Domorski, Rumson, a sanitation specialist.

The “lucky children” will receive the toy donations from The Salvation Army, Red Bank, and Family & Children’s Services of Monmouth County, who will come with vans early next week to pick up the donations. The DPW estimated if they receive 1,000 toys – as in years past – about 400-500 people donate, yet some people bring an entire van-load.

“If you bring over one, we appreciate it – it’s the thought,” said D’Angelo.

Not just local residents, but civic groups donated to the drive as well.

“The did a big collection and brought it all down here,” said Adam Guinan, Rumson, DPW assistant foreman. “They collect toys throughout the season, and brought down an entire Suburban. We feel awesome being involved with this.”

Stuffed animals, board games, Tonka trucks, puzzles, Fisher Price and Playskool play sets, Barbies, an acoustic guitar, sidewalk crayons, a play tent by Discovery Kids, books, board games such as Monopoly and Operation, fleece throws, and Play Doh were just some of the featured items in the bounty at the DPW garage.

Children Taylor and Brody Davidson, Rumson, even stopped by the drive to donate a baby doll set and Hot Wheels. Some local folks also thought of the drive during their Christmas parties.

“There’s a big party in Rumson tonight at the residence of Jack Howley – he donates one-half of the presents he collects, and we’ll pick them up Saturday after this drive,” said D’Angelo.

The toy drive brings nothing but satisfaction to the DPW crew.

“I’ve been here 10 years, and I’ve done it every year,” said Butch Kochel, Hazlet, DPW assistant foreman. “It makes you feel good – it’s something nice for the kids.”

The employees even kept donors entertained during the drive. All the “rookies,” such as Justin Derasmo, a laborer from Middletown, and Guinan sang Christmas carols earlier Friday evening for people stopping by with toys for needy children. The DPW also had an “added bonus.”

“We raffle off items the local merchants might donate to us – this year, two local merchants donated: Atlantic Bagel, and Dave Ciambrone from Head Chefs,” said D’Angelo.

As the donated toys and other much-needed items began to sprawl over the entire red tarp-covered garage, Santa’s elves realized they’d completed their generous mission for Christmas.

“We greatly appreciate all the donations that are dropped off, and hope that everyone has a spectacular holiday,” said D’Angelo.