HOWELL – The holiday season is upon us once again and Howell is taking the initiative by giving to those families in need. Howell Township is hosting their “Adopt a Family” Holiday Giveaway program to assist local families who are less fortunate during the holiday season.
Howell is asking residents and businesses to consider adopting a family in need in the local community. The goal is “to assign each volunteer sponsor an “adopted” family in Howell to give that family’s children (age toddlers to 17 years old) a brighter holiday,” according to the township.
“The Howell Adopt-A-Family program has morphed and changed over the years,” said Steven Fecher, Director of Community Relations for Howell Township.
The township used to have families come by Echo Lake to pick up their gifts as part of the program, said Fecher. When the program changed hands to Anna Ornstein, it was run out of the township’s old recreation building.
“Last year I took it on again and looking to improve upon the program,” he added.
“Adopt a Family” is run each year and is open to Howell residents only.
In order to participate, residents must fill out a form including a list of family members. This should be turned into the township by Nov. 15. This can be found at twp.howell.nj.us/DocumentCenter/View/4047/Howell-Holiday-Giveaway-2018.
Fecher noted that residents can contribute to this cause by:
- Calling the Township of Howell to sign up to sponsor a Howell family at 732-938-4500 ext. 2102
- Purchasing gift certificates in any increment (i.e. Walmart, Target, Five Below, Kohl’s, Applebee’s, movie tickets, or visa card)
- Organize a neighborhood, office and/or store collection for families.
- Support this event by informing your friends and family about the Give Away
The cutoff date to assign sponsors a family is Nov. 21. Gift drop off will be Dec. 6 and 7.
Pick up for holiday gifts will be held at town hall, 4567 Route 9 North in Howell, on December 13, 10 a.m.-6 p.m., and 14, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Don’t forget to bring with you: your child’s report card or birth certificate, a township utility bill, and your family holiday number.
“If you would like to sponsor a family, please reach out to us. Every little bit helps!” said Fecher.
For more information on the program, call 732-938-4500 ext. 2102.
