Toms River Seniors, Preschoolers To Gather For Holiday Fun

Two generations will come together when the Toms River Township Senior Center hosts a Christmas party for preschoolers enrolled in Head Start, according to a news release from the township.

The center, at 652 Garfield Ave., will host more than 50 preschoolers from the township’s Head Start program, for low-income families, beginning at noon on Friday, Dec. 18, for a program that includes lunch, games, activities and a visit from Santa and Mrs. Claus, according to the news release.

Peer leaders from the township’s high schools will volunteer as Santa’s helpers, painting faces, distributing gifts and coordinating games, officials said.

Senior Center members donate unwrapped gifts for each child and bake cookies and other treats for this annual intergenerational celebration, and the center is seeking donations of coloring books, crayons, hats, gloves, small goody bag items, wrapping paper, ribbon, gift bags, and food for the event from area businesses.

Senior Center staff and members also are invited to bring their children and grandchildren along with a wrapped gift for each that Santa will personally deliver.

The event is open to all seniors, age 60 and up but all guests must preregister in person or by calling 732-341-1000 x 8461.

The event is co-sponsored by the Toms River Senior Center and Municipal Alliance with funding from the Governor’s Council on Alcoholism and Drug Abuse.