TOMS RIVER – Lacey resident Jackie Wilson and Samantha Brady, 15, of Toms River have a very special bond. They celebrated a decade of friendship and love as part of the Big Brother/Big Sisters of Ocean County program during a recent holiday gathering.
Jackie (the big sister) and Samantha (the little sister) came together with more than a hundred others during the 19th annual Holiday Party of the Big Brothers Big Sisters of Ocean County held at the Toms River Ramada Inn.
“It was right before my 5th birthday that we were paired up in the program. My parents felt that since I have older brothers it would be nice for me to have an older sister and it didn’t take long for us to be matched up and within a few weeks, we got very close,” Samantha said.
“It worked out so well and we have done a lot of things together. She learns from me and I learn from her. Now I have a 2 1/2-year-old daughter, Nevaeh, which her mother pointed out is heaven spelled backwards,” Jackie said.
There was a time when Samantha required foster care and Jackie was there to step in at that time and serve in that role. “I couldn’t let her struggle. She went back with her parents and it all worked out.”
“We love each other and even when I age out of the program (at age 18) we’ll always be close,” Samantha said.
The two have enjoyed dinners together, movies, walks on the beach, trips to the boardwalk and “sometimes we just get together and talk,” Samantha added.
“It really has been a lot of fun and it remains so and she and my daughter love each other,” Jackie said.
“She is always honest with me and I admire that. She tells me the truth even if I don’t want to hear it,” Samantha added.
Santa Claus was of course the big star in the eyes of the many children present but he had a lot of help in providing the magic that took place.
Each little receives presents from Santa and a lunch. Music also sets the festive mood of the afternoon provided once again by DJ Justin Love.
Jackson resident Scott Martin has played an active role in the the event since its inception, helping to raise money for the gifts for the children, as well as entertainment.
The party started as a gathering of 30 children, Martin said, and has grown incredibly over the years. “We have some great sponsors who each year are happy to write a check and help us provide a wonderful experience for these kids. There are a number of people here today that have put in a lot of time and effort to make this all happen.”
Among those people who brought the party to life were Patty Trustan and Jordan Lindquist who coordinated the event. Both noted that the party was all about making the children happy.
As per tradition, along with Santa himself who garnered cheers as he entered the room carrying his big crimson bag filled with toys, a few warm up activities were held. Members of the Manchester Township High School Girls Basketball team came out to get the children onto the dance floor and to help out the event where they could.
Children also enjoyed some the balloon animal creations of Rockin Roxanne’s Party Magic who returned once again for the event.
Cliff Baker, president of A Need We Feed, a non-profit charity which delivers free hot meals to those in need, was present for the event and his group has partnered with Big Brothers and Big Sisters of Ocean County. On December 17 his group provided meals for a gathering of “littles” at the Hugh J. Boyd Elementary School in Seaside Heights.
“We just provided meals at a Christmas party with Santa at the Walnut Elementary School in Toms River. I work in the restaurant supplies business and work with a lot of people from restaurants who provide us donations. We’ll also be providing 40 hot meals for Big Brother/Big Sister families again on Christmas,” Baker said. For information on A Need We Feed visit ANeedWeFeed.org.
Big Brothers/Big Sisters of Ocean County offers a scholarship program to Ocean County College sponsored by an anonymous donor. The program is for juniors and seniors and they get to tour OCC during the spring and attend class in September.
Big Brothers/Big Sisters of Ocean County continues to work with the police departments of Toms River, Lakewood and Brick as part of the Bigs in Blue program which involves getting police officers involved with the organization.
Big Brothers Big Sisters is part of a national network of affiliates sharing best practices in order to ensure the safety and finest care for the children they serve. The program involves local volunteers mentoring local children in a program supported by local donors. For information about Big Brothers Big Sisters of Ocean County call 732-505-3400.
