It is that time of year again where families, friends and communities come together to celebrate the holidays. Here in town we are very fortunate to have kind and generous residents who not only donate to the Secaucus Emergency Food Pantry, or Christmas wish lists, but they also donate time to these charitable causes.
As the holidays quickly approach, we encourage you to be involved. There are families in need who would not have a bright and joyous holiday without your generosity.
The Department of Social Services is once again working closely with agencies including the Secaucus Emergency Fund and the K&S Social and Athletic Fund to provide a healthy, wholesome dinner for families. The spirit of giving is very much alive in our community because of each of you.
While we prepare for Thanksgiving, let’s remember those who are less fortunate. While you are in the store shopping, why not pick up an extra can of non-perishable food for the Emergency Food Pantry; reach out to an elderly neighbor or notify us if you know of a family who is struggling. The food pantry is currently collecting stuffing mix, mashed potatoes, canned corn, macaroni and cheese, turkey gravy, canned yams, cranberry sauce, pasta, marinara sauce and cookies. The pantry is also accepting $10 gift cards for local supermarkets to purchase perishable items. Donations can be brought to the senior center at 101 Centre Ave.
Thanksgiving is a time to reflect and give thanks for what we have; Christmas is a time for giving. Join us as we kick off the season of giving at the Christmas Tree Lighting ceremony on Saturday Dec. 3. The day begins with a fun filled festive Bazaar at the Recreation Center on Koelle Boulevard. Santa will be on hand for photos and will be featured in the annual holiday parade to the plaza where the tree will be lit. A portion of the photo proceeds will go to the emergency fund toy drive. New, unwrapped toys are being accepted at the Senior Center; Recreation Center, Town Hall, and St. Matthews through Dec. 9.
Santa will also be skating at the ice rink on Sunday the 18th. Join us for these spirited holiday event.
There are many exciting activities throughout town all month. Xchange is hosting its winter wonderland and holiday tree lighting with fireworks on Sunday, Nov. 27. Unico is holding a pancake breakfast on Dec. 4, the senior breakfast and concert at the high school on the 6th. The high school concert is the 7th and Clarendon School, Huber Street School concerts at the PAC are on the 6th and 7th, respectively. St. Matthew Christmas Bazaar is on the 8th.
The festivities continue with the residential holiday lighting contest starting on the 10th, the around town bus trip to view the decorated homes is scheduled for the 19th. Kids can enjoy a night of pizza and a movie at the Recreation center while parents can get some shopping done on Friday Dec. 16. Hanukkah begins on Saturday Dec. 24.
There is an annual lighting ceremony held in the plaza. Kwanzaa is Monday, Dec. 26. Whatever you celebrate, we wish you peace, health and happiness during this season and throughout the New Year.