Family Promise Brightens the Holidays for Homeless Families

SUMMIT, New Jersey, Dec. 17, 2018 - Family Promise-Union County’s day center in Elizabeth was bustling like Santa’s workshop this past weekend as volunteers gathered to help Family Promise collect and distribute Christmas gifts for more than 40 families in need.

Berkeley Heights Girl Scout Troop #40335, Maplecrest Moves Charities of Maplecrest Ford Lincoln of Union, and Celgene employees from Summit played Santa’s elves, wrapping and delivering gifts throughout Union County.

For the second year in a row, Family Promise, the Summit-based national leader addressing family homelessness, partnered with Celgene, a global pharmaceutical company also headquartered in Summit, seeking donations of toys, clothes, and other gifts for families battling homelessness. Family Promise works with families in need to stabilize their lives, but the holiday season can be especially difficult for those experiencing or at risk of homelessness. The intent is to normalize life for children and families in crisis during this time of year.

“Holiday shopping is not on the to-do list for families experiencing a housing crisis,” explains Geleen Donovan, Executive Director of Family Promise-Union County. “Their concerns are about survival – shelter, employment, their children. During the holidays we try to bring some light into these families’ lives, and we’re thrilled to have others in the community partner with us in this effort.”

Maplecrest Moves Charities provided the “sleigh” – its cargo van – to transport gifts from Celgene’s offices, and “elves” from Troop #40335 delivered presents to Family Promise families.

“Transportation is our business,” says Jen Miller, Chief Engagement Officer of Maplecrest Moves Charities. “We’re part of the community, and we care about it. A few years ago, when we realized many local charities didn’t have access to reliable transportation, we saw we could solve a major problem for nonprofits.”

Since 2016, Maplecrest Moves Charities has been transporting goods like furniture, clothes, toys, and more for nonprofits in northern New Jersey, including Family Promise, that don’t have regular access to vehicles and drivers.

The Girl Scouts from Troop #40335 were also excited to participate in the gifting.

“The girls have done many community service projects but were looking for a more personalized experience. They were eager to make a difference for children during the holidays,” says Troop Leader Milla Trigos, whose daughter, Olivia, was one of the scouts distributing gifts.

The Scouts also baked cookies, which they delivered along with the presents.

Amy Jones, Manager of Volunteer Engagement at Family Promise, summed up the day: “The holidays are a time of coming together. Through this gift drive, Family Promise helped draw the community together – from Girl Scouts, to corporate volunteers, to local business - to make a difference right in their own backyards. Family Promise volunteers are a very special group.”

Founded in Summit, New Jersey, in 1988, Family Promise is the leading national nonprofit addressing the issue of family homelessness. Comprised of more than 200 affiliates in nearly every state, Family Promise engages 200,000 volunteers to transform the lives of families in need. The organization’s innovative approach keeps families together and gives them the skills and tools to achieve lasting independence. Each year, Family Promise serves more than 90,000 individuals. For more information about Family Promise, go to www.familypromise.org.