North Bergen's Christmas Angels

It was another year of angels.

Mayor Nicholas Sacco and the Board of Commissioners proudly presented the 2021 Toy Drive on 6300 Meadowview Avenue, where the generosity of residents was overwhelming.

So many brought new, unwrapped toys to the recreation center, with the township children in mind.

“This is one of the most fun giveaways that we have,” says NB C.A.R.E.S Coordinator Aimee Focaraccio, who spearheads drives for the less fortunate throughout the year and free events throughout the Township, including the Christmas toy drive.

She adds that when it comes to these type of events — it’s all about the kids.

“But this is one of the most important ones, ‘cause at this time of the year parents are going through enough; these are one of the things they shouldn’t be worried about.

“So it’s really important for us to be able to give back, (and) for the parents to provide a nice holiday for their children,” says Focaraccio

Keep putting out good. It will come back to you in unexpected ways. 

And this is such a wonderful thing for a reason…

“It is,” says Commissioner Allen Pascual of the Toy Drive. “It’s just a continuation of what the town does; Aimee picks up from our town parties and we create another event and it’s great. And it’s the kind of year where we want to try to do as much as we can — so it’s good to be here.”

After holding this event for many years, the altruism of her neighbors does not surprise Focaraccio at all. Remember: When you do something nice for someone else, they may need it more than you know.

“I am fortunate enough to constantly see the generosity from our community, our local businesses,” she says. “And they’re so interested in giving back to the community and you look at the amount of stuff we have; and it’s impressive.”

There are so many angels among us this holiday season — and they couldn’t come at a better time.

According to Commissioner Hugo Cabrera, people enjoy this event and she (Focaraccio) takes care of the kids, the adults, everyone — and does a really good job.

“Her and the mayor always work very hard to try to do as much as they can for the community,” says Cabrera.

For Commissioner Julio Marenco, the meaning and motivation for doing something like this is always about service.

“It helps everybody who has a tougher time getting Santa to visit them,” Marenco says. “Unreal, right. This is, as they say — a winter wonderland!”

At the end of the day, Focaraccio says she is blessed to see how everyone turns out for the kids and makes extra sure they are taken care of year-round.

“We have so many different events where our residents and businesses give back to our community, but during the holidays it’s a little more special,” she says of the abundance of items they donated.

“Thanks to our businesses, our contributors; it’s unbelievable.”