Christmas RAINES for thousands of New Jersey children
Over three hundred volunteers showed up at the former K-Mart on Route 35 in Hazlet last night. 37 of the men donned Santa suits, whitened their brows and reddened their cheeks. 50 or elves dressed in red and green got off the shelf to join the Santas and the other volunteers in loading up the fire trucks and vans with toys and bicycles that they had donated, sorted, wrapped and assembled over the prior two weeks. Then they all headed out in 37 different directions to deliver the gifts to 340 Bayshore families, from South Amboy to Highlands, and a side trip to Long Branch. Over 800 kids received gifts from Santa and his RAINE dears last night.
Earlier in the week, RAINE volunteers delivered 750 gifts for distribution to kids in Paterson. They delivered gifts to the Monmouth County kids under supervision of NJ Children and Family Services (formerly DYFS), two special schools and a family shelter. All in, approximately 2000 kids were served by the RAINE Foundation this Christmas season.
Fire trucks were provided Union Beach, Keansburg, Hazlet, Keyport, Aberdeen, Matawan, Middletown, Holmdel and South Amboy. and Vans provided by Buhler Chrysler Jeep Dodge Ram, Straub Motors Buick GMC, Pine Belt Nissan and Tom’s Ford.
The former K-Mart space was provided by Onyx Equities.
RAINE..Reaching All In Need Everyday…was founded after 9-11 when founders Patti and Matt Dickens sprung to action to provide special holidays for families of those who perished in the terrorist attack. Over the last 17 years, the all volunteer organization has grown into a Monmouth County institution that assists families in crisis throughout the year and provides holiday joy for the less fortunate.
The RAINE team, based in Hazlet, NJ, consists of compassionate, caring individuals striving to make a difference in the lives of others. Volunteers are always welcome to participate in their programs.
Families who request support, particularly during the holidays, are asked to contact RAINE at 732-865-3555 or by sending an email through their website’s contact form.
Services provided include food and/or clothing, and holiday gifts. All information regarding families is kept STRICTLY CONFIDENTIAL.
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I don’t think I could ever find a finer definition of what Christmas is all about or what the best of humanity looks like. I miss this and everything RAINE represents and accomplishes. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to all.