All Around Pennsauken

Pennsauken residents and businesses are pitching in to help children in the community during the holiday season through the Angel Tree program, which collects new, unwrapped toys for families in need.

“The Angel Tree makes a real difference for Pennsauken families in need,” says Elwood “Duke” Martz, director of Pennsauken’s Parks and Recreation Department. “Thanks to the generosity of our community, many children who were going to wake up on Christmas morning without any presents are now going to have a gift under the tree.”

Last year, over 50 Pennsauken families were helped through the Angel Tree program; the initiative for 2018 plans to support the same number of families.

The Angel Tree was started well over 25 years ago. A Christmas tree placed at the Penn Queen Diner allowed both patrons and members of the community to help their neighbors in need during the holidays. The success of that endeavor turned into today’s Angel Tree program.

Individuals can purchase a new, unwrapped toy and leave it at the Pennsauken Township Municipal Building, Route 130 and Merchantville Avenue, during normal business hours now through 4:00 p.m. on Monday, Dec. 17. Monetary donations are also greatly appreciated.

Special Angel Tree Collection Events

The Pennsauken-Merchantville Area Chamber of Commerce is hosting a holiday happy hour to help add to this year’s Angel Tree donations on Thursday, Dec. 13, from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. at Marco’s at Pennsauken Country Club, 3800 Haddonfield Rd. The event features a complimentary buffet, drink specials, holiday music, and pictures with Santa. All attendees are asked to bring a new, unwrapped toy for the Angel Tree program. To RSVP for the event, e-mail pmac1team@gmail.com or call (856) 438-0833.

Mister Softee of Pennsauken, located at 3605 Haddonfield Rd., is also helping with this year’s toy drive with a special incentive. For every new, unwrapped toy donated at their store, individuals will be entered into a raffle for a Mister Softee gift certificate, as well as other promotional items. A total of five prizes will be raffled off after the toy drive is over.

Toys can be dropped off at Mister Softee now through Monday, Dec. 17, during regular store hours, noon to 10:00 p.m., Monday through Sunday.

For more information, or to volunteer for the Angel Tree program, contact Pennsauken’s Parks and Recreation Department at (856) 665-1000, ext. 151 or e-mail emartz@twp.pennsauken.nj.us.