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, dozens of Pennsauken families were helped through the Angel Tree program; the initiative for 2019 plans to support the same number of families.

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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. 16. Monetary donations are also greatly appreciated.

PMAC Angel Tree Collection Event

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. 12, from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. at the 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.

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.