Seasonal & Holidays
Hoboken Grace To Host 2021 Hoboken Christmas Exchange
The 7th annual event will provide Christmas gifts to more than 1,300 local children.
Press release from Hoboken Grace:
Nov. 20, 2021
Hoboken Grace, a diverse and growing non-denominational community church, will celebrate its seventh annual Hoboken Christmas Exchange this December. Since 2015, the event has matched thousands of families and donors to fulfill Christmas wish lists by providing gifts, toys, clothing, books, and other needed essentials.
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“Every year I am amazed to see our city step up to make sure that no child in our community goes without a gift on Christmas morning,” said Chris High, Lead Pastor at Hoboken Grace. “There are few things that match the joy of giving and receiving gifts this time of year, and we’re humbled to know that the people of Hoboken and Hudson County trust our church with this event.”
To identify families and children most in need, Hoboken Grace partnered with a number of its local community partners, including Hoboken Housing Authority, HOPES CAP, TRUE Mentors, Boys and Girls Clubs of Hudson County, Community Lifestyle, In Jesus Name Charities and the Hoboken Police Department.
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“The Hoboken Christmas Exchange brings us together to help those in need through a collaboration between residents, Hoboken Grace Community Church, the Hoboken Police Department, and the Hoboken Fire Department,” said Mayor Ravi S. Bhalla. “Spreading cheer and supporting one another this Holiday season is a true reflection of the Hoboken spirit we have seen all year. Thank you to everyone involved for making the annual Hoboken Christmas Exchange possible and working together to brighten Christmas Day for families across the City.”
“The two best ways to get involved are to sign up to fulfill a child’s wish list or to volunteer for gift drop off and pick up,” said James Sproule, Community Impact Director at Hoboken Grace. “We are expecting gift requests from more than 1,300 children this year, so it’s a significant opportunity to support a neighbor that may be going through a difficult time.”
Last year, more than 1,075 children from 334 families had their wish lists fulfilled. Hundreds of individuals donated gifts and nearly 200 volunteers came together to successfully coordinate the event. This year’s Exchange is expected to be even larger with even more local impact.
“The Hoboken Christmas Exchange is an event that our city looks forward to every year,” said Emily Jabbour, Hoboken City Councilwoman. “I know firsthand how many families rely on this event to provide gifts for their families, as well as the joy it brings to residents who want to support our local families in need. To see our friends and neighbors come together to support one another makes me proud to call Hoboken my home.”
The deadline to sign up for a wishlist is Sunday, November 21st, and volunteer opportunities are also still available for gift drop off and pick up that will take place from December 9th through the 11th. Donors are being encouraged to fulfill wish lists and purchase requested gifts as early as possible this year due to national supply chain disruptions that are slowing shipping and delivery times.
The importance of the Exchange for recipient families and children is highlighted by some of the comments they’ve shared along with wish lists submitted this year:
● “I’m a single mother who lost my job. This is a blessing and will help me a lot. Thank you.”
● “I sadly cannot afford to get my kids gifts this year due to Covid. My resources are limited and I have to use the money I get from work on the bills. Thank you in advance for all your gifts, we highly appreciate them.”
● “We lost our jobs due to Covid, and we are living in a shelter at the moment. We appreciate Hoboken Grace dearly. Thank you and Merry Christmas.”
● “I'm a single dad who's been unemployed due to the pandemic, so it's been a stressful time especially raising two kids by myself. I’m hoping to scrape together something to have two smiling faces on Christmas morning. I’m willing to do anything for these amazing kids of mine.”
● “We are a close, hardworking and loving family who have fallen on hard times since the pandemic. We appreciate you!”
For more information on the Hoboken Christmas Exchange, please visit www.HobokenChristmas.com or email Christmas@hobokengrace.com.
This press release was produced by Hoboken Grace. The views expressed here are the author's own.
