Glen Ridge Kiwanis Rename Clothing Drive To Honor Joseph Connolly

ESSEX COUNTY, NJ — The following news release comes courtesy of the Kiwanis Club of Glen Ridge, which also serves Montclair. Learn more about posting announcements or events to your local Patch site here.

Most residents of Glen Ridge are familiar with the Kiwanis Club's clothing drives which have been held in town for decades. With the help of the town's citizens, we have donated truckloads of clothing and other items to local organizations that provide for those in-need.

Among the organizations we have worked with are All Saints Ministry in Orange, Integrity House in Newark, and our current partner, Big Brothers Big Sisters.

Many years ago, the drive was taken over by long-time resident of Glen Ridge, Joseph Connolly. Over the years, Joe made many improvements to our drive. Joe changed it from an annual drive to a semi-annual drive held in the spring and fall. Though it started out as a clothing drive, he expanded it first to include children's toys, and then to what it is today: the Clothing and Household Goods Drive.

Recently, our town and our club lost Joe, who died on February 13. Judge Connolly served as Municipal Court Judge in Glen Ridge for 32 years. He will be remembered as an enduring presence on the bench, a supporter of the community, a volunteer helping those who were struggling, and a devoted husband, brother, father, and grandfather. Joe's accomplishments and contributions to the town have been numerous. More on his impressive story can be found in his obituary.

To honor the life and generosity of Judge Connolly, the Kiwanis Club of Glen Ridge is renaming our collection drive. The next drive - and the very first “Joseph T. Connolly Clothing and Household Goods Drive” - will be held on Saturday, April 7. As always, it will be held in the Glen Ridge High School parking lot from 8:30 am until 12:30 pm. Items collected include small appliances, bedding, books, toys, clothing, electronics, household goods, kitchenware, sporting goods and more. Just about anything that would have value to someone who might be less fortunate will be accepted. All donations are fully tax-deductible.

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