Madison Eagle Christmas Fund Delivers Joy to Neighbors in Need

MADISON, NJ, December 19, 2021 -- ‘Tis the season of giving, and the Madison Eagle Christmas Fund (MECF) is making its final campaign push for donations for the busy Christmas season. For nearly 50 years, the MECF has been a Madison tradition of “neighbors helping neighbors,” with donations being used to help residents facing financial challenges to purchase food, gas, coats, shoes, toys and other services. A grassroots and hyper-local charity, the MECF purchases gift cards to businesses within the town, making the donations of residents “keep on giving” by supporting local businesses, many of whom have also been struggling during the pandemic.

“As inflation continues and the pandemic drags on, we have seen the number of families in our community facing financial difficulties swell to unprecedented levels. We also know the pandemic has been tough on our local businesses and are so happy that we can give them a boost while helping our families by keeping our dollars here in town,” says Stacey Smollen, co-chair of the MECF.

Last week MECF distributed almost $74,000 in gift cards as part of the 2021 holiday outreach to families and seniors. Gift cards valued at $26,800 have been purchased from an expanded list of 32 different local Madison merchants, allowing families and seniors to shop, dine or treat themselves to services at places they have chosen.

Smollen adds, “Recipients are delighted to choose gifts or services that they enjoy and do their own holiday shopping. Allowing them to purchase for their families is a wonderful way for them to maintain their dignity and try new businesses in town.”

Since rising food costs and food insecurity are also major issues for the MECF families and seniors, close to $38,000 of gift cards to Stop & Shop were distributed. According to Jen Boyer, co-chair of the fund, “Stop & Shop has been a wonderful partner of ours for many years, and this year they really stepped up by generously providing a grant of $5,000, plus a 5% discount on the remaining cards we purchased. This will allow our recipients to splurge on a holiday meal that would probably not otherwise be possible.”

Between the gift cards to the local Madison shops and Stop & Shop gift cards, the 107 families and 94 seniors received a total value of more than $64,000 to spend back on Madison businesses. In addition to this, families also received gift cards to Burlington Coat Factory totaling $9,000 to purchase warm coats and boots as needed.

Even in a tough year, several Madison merchants have shown the holiday spirit by supporting MECF. The Bar Method, Bottle Hill Tavern, CJ's Deli, Delikositas, Main Street Subs, Marc Anthony, Pink Pear, and Tons of Toys all have made generous donations to the Fund. Madison Pharmacy discounted the price of the gift cards for the MECF, allowing the charity to stretch its dollars further. Sugar Rush Candy & Gift Boutique donated a portion of sales to the MECF, and owner Andrea Zembilis reached out to loyal customers to encourage them to make their own contributions.

Creative ideas for fundraising have also come from Maiden Madison, a local business featuring hand-crafted items, which donated 50 percent of ornament sales to the MECF and the children’s art studio Crafted, which hosted an ornament-making event as a fundraiser. Adams Dental collected hats and gloves, while the Madison Rotary, with the help of Coldwell Banker, collected children's pajamas for distribution to the families.

The MECF relies solely on donations and volunteers to cover operating expenses. Donations are still being accepted. To learn more about the mission of the MECF and other donation opportunities, visit the fund’s website at www.madisoneaglechristmasfund.org, like the group on Facebook or follow on Instagram.