'All About the Kids': Hopatcong Residents Donate Gifts to Children in Need

Nancy Marinaro brought the "super shopping cart." Mike Turnage carried in Hot Wheels race cars and tracks. The Hopatcong Elementary Parent Teacher Organization chipped in with $250 in gift cards.

Safe to say most in 's recreation building were in the holiday spirit Saturday night.

More than 100 people showed up to donate unwrapped toys to families in need in Hopatcong. They also came for food, drinks and live music.

"But it's all about the kids," Turnage said.

Hundreds of gifts sat on a table stretching from each end of the building. They will be delivered Sunday morning to the house of Pat Dixon, a former Tulsa Trail secretary, who will begin the yeoman task of putting them in gender and age order. The gifts will then be distributed to families by Hopatcong's Child Study Team.

Billy Brennan of band Who's Johnny, which performed Saturday night, said it was the "eighth or ninth" year the event's been held. Lori Spaziani watched it grow from its inception.

"It's just getting bigger and bigger," she said.

Plenty of local groups contributed to the fundraiser. Castaways donated four pizzas. The New Jersey Devils gave four tickets. The Peter Smith School of Irish Dance sent dancers to perform—for free.

Spaziani said one person couldn't take all the credit for the event.

"This wouldn't happen without all the people who are here," she said.

Hopatcong schools Superintendent Dr. Charles Maranzano—an accomplished musician—showed off his chops, breaking out his saxophone and playing a set with Who's Johnny.

Kim Tighe said she attended the event for more than just a night out.

"We wanted to give back to the community," she said.