Newark Dads Hold Holiday Toy Drive, Provide Positive Role Models

NEWARK, NJ — More than a hundred community members and five organizations from across the City of Newark participated in The D.A.D. Network’s “Dads Care Toy Drive” held earlier this month, event organizers said.

The holiday toy drive, which took place from Dec. 7 to 16, was organized by The D.A.D. Network, a fatherhood initiative implemented through the Newark Public Schools (NPS) Head Start Program, and consisted of a week-long gift collection, a gift wrapping party and a gift distribution event.

“The Dads Care Toy Drive has been an excellent opportunity for Newark fathers, families, educators, community leaders, and organizations to come together to collectively brighten the holiday season for hundreds of children and families across our city,” Superintendent Christopher Cerf said. “The D.A.D. Network understands the critical role fathers play in a child’s educational journey and I applaud these role models for everything they are doing to make Newark a stronger community.”

According to event organizers, the holiday toy drive took place at several NPS Head Start locations throughout Newark Public Schools. Fathers, male role models, parents/caregivers, NPS Staff, community members and organizations were encouraged to donate one or more gifts for sick and homeless children living in Newark.

On Dec. 15, more than 60 community members participated in an afternoon gift wrapping party at Early Childhood School – South in Newark’s South Ward. The gifts were then delivered to over 300 children across the city on Dec.16 and Dec. 19.

Deliveries were made to multiple sites, including: University Hospital, The Harmony House, and Beth Israel Hospital, organizers said.

Wells Fargo Bank donated nearly 100 gifts and actively participated at the gift wrapping party and the toy distribution event.

“We are so thankful for all of the dedicated fathers who created this initiative and continued with it for another year in an even bigger way,” Executive Director of Newark’s Office of Early Childhood F. Nana Ofosu-Amaah said. “Particularly in the earliest stages of development, parents are such an integral component of their children’s success. We are excited to be able to support so many great fathers during this toy drive, and hope that our collective efforts will make the holidays a little brighter for a few Newark children.”

Photo: Newark Public Schools

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