Make a Kid Smile program seeking donations
Donations are being sought for the ninth annual Make a Kid Smile Day, which puts new sporting goods in the hands of underprivileged children, on Sunday, Dec. 20, according to Mike Miselis, Bayonne Cal Ripken baseball vice president and program founder and coordinator.
“The event helps raise donations and then takes less-fortunate kids on a fun and exciting shopping spree at Modell’s, where they can spend $100 each on gifts of their choosing,” Miselis said.
The program reaches out to schools in the city and children are selected based on need.
“As is the case every year, Modell’s and Police Benevolent Association Local 7 of Bayonne kicked off the campaign, each making $500 donations,” Miselis said.
Over the past 8 years, the event has raised approximately $60,000, including last year’s total of $8,865, helping 88 children have a special day.
Donations should be made payable to Bayonne Cal Ripken baseball, with “Make a Kid Smile” noted on the check’s memo line. Checks should be mailed to Bayonne Cal Ripken baseball, PO Box 3260, Bayonne NJ 07002.
For more information, contact Miselis at mmiselis@aol.com.
Bayonne firefighters holding annual toy drive
Bayonne Firefighter Locals 11 and 211 are hosting their annual toy drive from now until Dec. 14, and is asking for contributions to help brighten the holidays for Bayonne children.
Those interested can donate an unwrapped toy for a boy or girl at any of the city’s neighborhood firehouses. They are located at 4th Street and Zabriskie Avenue, 16th Street and Avenue A, 27th Street and Avenue C, Chosin Few Way, and 57th Street and Avenue B.
All donations will benefit Bayonne families.
Public’s help sought for turkeys and other food
Thanksgiving was a little bit brighter for a number of Bayonne residents following the annual charitable drive held in memory of Cookie Daughtrey, a longtime Bayonne City Hall employee, according to Erica Daughtrey, her daughter.
The donations came from private donors, community leaders, city employees, Assemblyman-elect Nicholas Chiaravalloti, Mayor James Davis, and City Council members.
The turkeys, along with all the trimmings, were delivered to Highways, 184 Hobart Ave.
“I thought there was no better way to keep her memory alive than to continue this wonderful tradition,” Daughtrey said.
This collection will continue through the Christmas holiday. Since Highways has close to 300 families to feed, Daughtrey is asking for the public’s help by donating turkeys, other food items, drinks (water, juice, or cider), desserts, and cutlery, plates, cups, and napkins.
Supermarket gift certificates (ShopRite, Stop n Shop, Wal-Mart) and monetary donations are accepted. Checks should be made out to the WINDMILL Alliance, 141 Broadway, Bayonne, NJ 07002. The checks’ memo should read: for Cookie’s Highway Holiday Donation Only.
For more information, email edaughtrey22@gmail.com.
Henry Repeating Arms presents $50,000 to the VFW
Henry Repeating Arms President and CEO Anthony Imperato presented a $50,000 donation to the VFW during a special ceremony at the VFW National Headquarters in Kansas City, Mo.
The donation marked the most recent contribution in the company’s history of support for America’s veterans.
“I just returned from a trip to France where an 80-year-old woman told me that if it wasn’t for the American soldiers’ bravery that she witnessed during World War II, she, her family, and her country wouldn’t have what they have today,” Imperato said during the ceremony. “That says it all and explains why we made the donation and why we will continue to support great veterans’ organizations like the VFW.”
VFW Assistant Adjutant General Kevin Jones was on hand to accept the donation, said, “The generosity, genuine care, and support of America’s service members is the real deal in the heart of Anthony and the entire Henry Repeating Arms’ team. We’re proud to have established a friendship with Henry Repeating Arms and we’re extremely grateful to have its support.”
The VFW and its Auxiliaries are dedicated to veterans’ service, legislative advocacy, and military and community service programs.