By Frank Sinatra, AAP Editor

Pennsauken Township has a long standing tradition of truly embracing the holiday season. Not only are the holidays perfect opportunities for residents to come together as a community, but they also help to remind individuals about the importance of giving back to those less fortunate. From holiday parades to angel trees, Pennsauken residents are sure to find something that helps them get into the holiday spirit.

Marching Into The Holidays With A Parade

Pennsauken’s Holiday Parade will kick off at 1 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 29. Filled with fire engines, holiday-themed floats and musical entertainment, the parade is a favorite with the young and the young at heart. It runs along Westfield Ave., beginning at the Pennsauken Community Recreation Facility and ending at 44^th St.

As in years past, the Business, Industry, and Government Council of Pennsauken Township is lending financial support to the parade.

“The Holiday Parade is a great Pennsauken tradition,” says Tim Ellis, B.I.G. Council chairperson. “It’s about community getting together to ring in the start of the holiday season. We’d like to thank our sponsors who helped make this wonderful event possible.”

For the second year in a row, students in Pennsauken schools are helping to design this year’s Holiday Parade poster. Students from grades 5 through 12 have submitting artwork based on the theme, “Joy to the World.” Artwork will be judged by members of the B.I.G. Council’s steering committee and the winning submission will be the centerpiece of this year’s poster.

The students who win first, second and third place will be invited with their parents/guardians and teachers to the B.I.G. Council luncheon meeting on Nov. 12. The contest winners will be recognized at the luncheon by the steering committee and given awards and prizes from our local businesses.

The winning students will also be invited to ride in the B.I.G. Council float during the Holiday Parade on Nov. 29.

Opportunities remain to help make the 34^th Holiday Parade one to remember. Financial and in-kind donations from area businesses are still being accepted.

In addition, community groups are encouraged to participate in the parade. No contribution is too small and will go a long way to bringing joy and hope to Pennsauken families during this festive season.

Immediately after his appearance in the parade, Santa Claus will be taking free pictures with children of all ages at the 45^th Street Pub, 2545 45^th St., Pennsauken.

For more information about the Holiday Parade, contact Pennsauken’s Parks and Recreation Department at (856) 665-1000, Ext. 151. Businesses interested in sponsorship opportunities can visit BIGPennsauken.com.

Breakfast With Santa

Another annual tradition is for children to have an opportunity to join Santa Claus for breakfast, from 8:30 to 11 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 6 at the PYAA Field House at Park and Elm streets. There will also be face painting, music, balloon sculpting and gifts. Tickets are $6 for children and $9 for adults. The event is sponsored in part by the Pennsauken Education Association. All tickets must be purchased in advance. For more information, call (856) 665-1000 Ext. 151.

Angel Tree Program

Once again, Pennsauken residents and businesses are preparing to pitch in to help children in the community during the holiday season through the Angel Tree program.

Last year, over 30 Pennsauken families were helped through the Angel Tree program; the initiative for 2014 plans to support the same number of families.

Individuals can purchase a new, unwrapped toy and leave it at the Municipal Building, Route 130 and Merchantville Avenue, under the tree from Dec. 1 through 4 p.m. on Monday, Dec. 15. Monetary donations are also greatly appreciated.

For more information or to volunteer for the Angel Tree program, contact Pennsauken’s Parks and Recreation Department at (856) 665-1000, Ext. 151.