Elks' Festival Of Trees Charity Fundraiser On Tap In Toms River

TOMS RIVER, NJ — The trees are going up, and starting Sunday, it's time to vote. For the fourth year, Toms River Elks Lodge No. 1875 is hosting the Festival of Trees, which raises funds for a variety of charitable organizations.

Each year, nonprofit groups decorate trees in the hall at the lodge, located on Washington Street at the corner of Clifton Avenue. Donations to the organizations will be tallied, and on Dec. 14, the groups that receive the most "votes" will be awarded cash prizes in addition to the donations they receive. There are more than 30 organizations participating in the event.

The Festival of Trees finale event is from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 14; it is free, family friendly and open to the public.

The finale event will include a tricky tray, Mega 50/50s and ballroom dance performances. Stop by Santa's workshop for arts and crafts lessons, and there will be complimentary refreshments and homemade desserts from Mrs. Claus's Cafe.

Live entertainment will be provided by the Ocean County Jazz Band, Multigenerational Orchestra and the Garden State Philharmonic Youth Orchestra.

Visitors can vote for their favorite nonprofit's holiday tree by submitting a cash or check donation, and each nonprofit receives 100 percent of the money contributed to its campaign. All checks must be written to the Toms River Elks Lodge with the name of the nonprofit organization in the memo field.

The viewing hours leading up to the gala on Dec. 14 are as follows. The Elks Lodge says the hours are subject to change and updates will be posted on its Facebook page (click here).

• Sunday, Dec. 3, 1-4 p.m.
• Tuesday, Dec. 5, 3-8 p.m.
• Friday, Dec. 8, 3-8 p.m.
• Sunday, Dec. 10, 3-8 p.m.
• Tuesday, Dec. 12, 3-5 p.m.
• Wednesday, Dec. 13, Noon-4 p.m.

On Thursday, Dec. 14, the doors for the gala open at 4 p.m. Voting ends at 7 p.m.

Participating nonprofits include:

• Your Grandmother's Cupboard, which assists the homeless and working poor in our communities
• Ocean County YMCA
• Angels of God Community Outreach, which provides clothing and food for those who are in need.
• SAVE Rescue Shelter
• Merlin's Kids, which rescues and rehabilitates shelter dogs into service dogs for children with special needs, disabled war veterans, and firefighters
• Toms River Field of Dreams, which aims to build a baseball field and associated equipment for children with special needs
• The Arc, Ocean County Chapter
• Ocean Gate Elementary School PTO
• Toms River South Marching Indians marching band
• Military Family Support 360 Center, which assists family members of active duty, retired military, National Guard and Reserve personnel, up to age 26, who have a disability or special need
• Associated Humane Society Popcorn Park
• Deborah Heart and Lung Center
• Interfaith Hospitality Network of Ocean County, which provides shelter, meals and assistance to homeless families.
• Haven Beat The Streets, which provides emergency and transitional housing and outreach services to the homeless to lead them to self-sufficiency
• LADACIN Network, which provides education, therapeutic, social, residential and support services for people with cerebral palsy and other physical and developmental disabilities
• East Coast Paws & Claws, which rescuing homeless and abandoned animals, primarily dogs from high-kill shelters and owners who can no longer care for them
• Camp Quality New Jersey provides a weeklong overnight camping trip, year-round support programs and events for kids with cancer
• Children's Specialized Hospital, which provides specialized healthcare services for infants, children and young adults
• HOPE Sheds Light, which works to raise awareness and educate about the disease of addiction and to provide hope and resources towards recovery
• Jonah’s Ark Animal Rescue, founded in May 2016 by a group of animal advocates in the Mid-Atlantic region
• Ocean's Harbor House, which provides a safe haven and assistance for teenagers in crisis
• Brandon's Elves, created in memory of 6-year-old Brandon Holt, works to provide Christmas gifts to children in needy families in Ocean County
• South Toms River Youth Baseball League
• Boy Scouts Troops 10 and 50
• Girl Scouts Troops 285 and 383
• New Horizons In Autism, which provides community-based services to those with autism
• Daughters of the American Revolution, a volunteer women's service organization whose members are direct descendants of patriots who helped our country during its War for Independence
• Garden State Philharmonic Youth Orchestra
• New Beginnings Pet Rescue, which provides long-term fostering for animals in need.

For more information contact Jenel Marino, 732-814-9933 or Email trelksenf@hotmail.com.

Christmas tree decorations by Karen Wall, Patch staff