Little Silver, Shrewsbury

Jan 31, 2023

Lunch Break’s Toy Giveaway Offers Hope for the Holidays

Community Engagement Director Kathy Williams and Life Skills Coordinator Eleanor Herdeen. Photos courtesy of Lunch Break

Tower Hill First Presbyterian Church in Red Bank turned into Santa’s workshop on Dec. 10. The halls were filled with toys, stuffed animals, musical instruments and holiday presents as an army of elves welcomed hundreds of financially insecure families as they browsed for gifts for their children during the Lunch Break annual Holiday Toy and Gift Card Giveaway.

Photos courtesy of Lunch Break

In late fall, Lunch Break, the social service organization and food pantry, transformed its headquarters at 121 Drs. James Parker Blvd. in Red Bank into a winter workshop, courtesy of business community members and supporters who got into the holiday spirit by purchasing new toys and gift cards for children ages newborn to 17 years. All were provided to families free of charge. Then those hundreds of holiday gifts were delivered to Tower Hill Church, where they awaited their final destination into the arms of unsuspecting children on Christmas Day. And this year, more than 500 holiday trees, generously donated by Kings of Christmas, were offered to families as an added surprise.

Photos courtesy of Lunch Break

“We couldn’t be more thrilled about this year’s turnout. So many families were treated to toys, gifts and trees,” said Lunch Break Executive Director Gwendolyn Love. “I am grateful to our community partners and donors, Tower Hill Church members, Kings of Christmas, Community Engagement Director Kathy Williams and her team, as well as our incredible volunteers for making this giveaway a complete success. We couldn’t do it without their support.” 

Lunch Break is a 501(c)3 organization that provides food, clothing, housing solutions, life skills and fellowship to residents of greater Monmouth County. All Lunch Break services are free. To learn more, follow them on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, LinkedIn and YouTube, and visit LunchBreak.org.