Hoboken Christmas Exchange Draws Hundreds [PHOTOS]

HOBOKEN, NJ — More than 800 family members and children received gifts at the Hoboken Christmas Exchange, an event that gave the community a chance to help make a memorable Christmas for families in-need.

According to a news release from Hoboken Grace Community Church, more than 100 volunteers helped to deliver gifts while more than 350 people signed up to participate in the event to adopt a family or child.

“Children will open clothes, toys and other items from their wish list on Christmas morning while parents received much needed household items like pots and pans, bedding and toiletries, diapers and towels,” Anthony Reimer, outreach director at Hoboken Grace said.

Hoboken Grace worked with the Hoboken Housing Authority, HOPES, North Hudson Community Action Corporation and The Jubilee Center to identify families in-need.

“I have been crying since the event started,” said Kara Cohen, one of the event organizers. “I was at a loss for words much of the night.”

Cohen said she was inspired to start the initiative two years ago.

“I have been loved unconditionally and maybe others will feel that they are loved the same way as a result of this event,” Cohen said.

Photos: Hoboken Grace Church

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