Attention Children (and Parents) of Howell - Little Elves Needed for the "Toys to Share Joy" Collection Efforts

Each year, there are families in and around our area that do not share the joy and happiness that we are so fortunate to have on the holidays. Together, we can make a difference for these less fortunate families, and you, the children of Howell, can do it by becoming one of “Howell’s Little Elves.” By doing this, you will be directly supporting the “Toys to Share Joy” collection efforts in Howell. Every year, a group of dedicated volunteers organize this program sanctioned by township officials to collect gifts for hundreds of less fortunate families in Howell. With the challenges of our local and national economy, the list of those in need grows and is just the reason we are starting the holiday collection now. Thousands of gifts are needed to ensure a special holiday season for those we are reaching out to help. So, for the children of Howell, and the parents reading this announcement that can encourage their children to participate, please see below how you can make a difference in the lives of others:

1. You (Howell’s Little Elf) must be 13+ years old and should be accompanied by an adult.

2. Email gkbutkus@optonline.net or call (732) 682-4257 to request the number of fliers for you to hand out to homes around your neighborhood (do not be shy; we will give you all you need). These fliers will be asking your neighbors to donate a new, unwrapped toy for the less fortunate in Howell by leaving it on their front porch or stoop on Saturday, 12/5/15 at 2:00pm or Sunday, 12/6/15 at 2:00pm.

3. Pick up the fliers you requested from Affiliated Foot & Ankle Center, LLP located at 4645 Route 9 North in Howell (732-905-1110). (Just past Applebee’s and across highway from Young’s Appliance) ***Extra fliers will always be available to pick up at this location

4. Hand the fliers out to homes throughout your neighborhood the week(s) prior to 11/30/15

5. On both Saturday, 12/5/15 and Sunday, 12/6/15 at 2:00pm or after, pick up the gifts left on the porches or stoops of the houses you gave a flier (we strongly recommend a parent go with you to collect).

6. Once the gifts are collected, drop off to the Howell Police Athletic League (at

Southard School) on Monday, 12/7/15, Tuesday, 12/8/15, Wednesday, 12/9/15, or

Thursday, 12/10/15 between the hours of 9:00am – 4:00pm. The Howell Police Athletic League (Southard School) is located at 115 Kent Road in Howell, NJ (at Lanes Mill Road adjacent to Walmart).

7. Smile and be proud of yourself that you have made the holidays a joyous time for others.

The holidays are a time to join together, where families unite and joy is shared among many. As children, you look forward to these times and by becoming one of “Howell’s Little Elves”, you can bring joy and laughter to another child or family member right here in your own backyard. In addition, documentation of hours volunteering to support this program will be given to fulfill hours for school and religious programs. For questions about the program, please email gkbutkus@optonline.net or call (732) 682-4257.