Bridgewater Actress Continues Holiday Tradition Of Gift Giving, Feeding Families

BRIDGEWATER, NJ — Bridgewater actress Christina Castellanos - known for her roles in Netflix's Orange is the New Black and Chained - is reprising her role in giving back to families in need during the holidays.

For multiple years in a row, Castellanos visits the Agape House at 122-128 E Main St. in Somerville to cook meals for Thanksgiving and Christmas. She also collects toys and donations for Christmas gifts. To date she has helped 400 families and 100 singles.

This year, Castellanos has already received community support for 20 families and 10 singles. She still needs help to grant the Christmas wishes of 12 more singles at the Agape House. Those singles include:

• Name: Mr. Coll; Wish List: Gift card
• Name: Ms. Duke; Wish List: Sweat outfit XL, Coat XL, Case of energy drinks
• Name: Ms. Karrick; Wish List: Nix Nacks, Pajamas, Pots, Bra 38DD
• Name: Colon; Wish List: med/small clothes, size 7 in boys shoes
• Name: Ms. Denise; Wish List: Leggings and shirts large, Visa gift card
• Name: Mr. Rhule; Wish List: Walmart Gift card, Target Gift Card
• Name: Ms. Pierce; Wish List: Sweat outfit, Visa gift card, Body spray
• Name: Ms. Clark; Wish List: Slippers size 9, Comforter set twin, Headphones
• Name: Ms. Williams; Wish List: Tourquoise coat size medium, Navy blue boots, Seagreen shirt and pants
• Name: Ms. Fleurmond; Wish List: Rice cooker, Headphones, Google Play gift card
• Name: Ms. Burwell; Wish List: 34B Bra, XL panties, Black boots size 8 1/2 or 9, Gift card
• Name: Ms. Mimi; Wish List: Fashion Nova gift card, Perfume(a thousand wishes), Starbucks gift card

Along with granting the wishlists, Castellanos is looking for anyone willing to help provide a Christmas dinner to the families on Friday, Dec. 22 at 4 p.m.

"To give back to my community means everything to me especially coming from the background that I came from growing up in the South Bronx with 20 people living in a 3 bedroom apartment wasn’t easy," said Castellanos to Patch.

"I always said to myself that when God blesses me to be in a better position in my life I would pay it forward and I have been for the past few years," said Castellanos. "Almost 400 families I have been able to help get them all sponsored and it’s an amazing feeling when you and your community can come together and put smiles on the faces of these families. No one deserves to be forgotten about, especially on the holidays. Everyone deserves to feel loved."

The Agape House is a shelter that provides a place to stay for homeless families and single individuals to help them get back on their feet.

Anyone looking to donate or sponsor a local at the Agape House can reach Castellanos through Facebook or send an email at ccastellanos127@gmail.com.

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