‘Tis the season for holiday merriment, the warmth of family gatherings and the celebration of Christmas, Chanukah and the festive traditions celebrated by the many Township faiths and ethnicities. While we always enjoy the holiday events, concerts and programs of the season, let’s not forget that there are less fortunate families throughout Woodbridge Township that need special help each and every day, not just during the holidays.
More than ever before, we are seeking food donations for the Woodbridge Township food pantries that provide for the hungry throughout the holiday’s and into the New Year. We have set a goal to collect at least 10,000 pounds of non-perishable food for the ‘Season of Giving’ holiday food drive by the end of the year – food that will be distributed by our local food pantries as they work to ensure that Township residents receive much needed supplies. I would like to once again encourage our always generous Township residents to donate a can… or two… or three… of non-perishable foods to help neighbors and families experience a healthier and happier holiday.
Let’s start with the annual Barron Arts Center Holiday Train Display & Exhibit which has become the singular stop for the ‘Season of Giving’ food drive. This year, the Barron Arts Center Holiday Train Display is ‘on-track’ everyday through December 30 (Closed on Christmas Day.) So, when you stop-by to see the incredible train exhibit, plan to drop-off a food donation at the Holiday Express. The Season-of-Giving food drive continues at the following holiday events and happenings:
DEC. 13: The Barron Arts Center Presents: Holiday Concert & Sounds of the Season performed by The Jazz Lobsters Big Band. 7:30 PM. Woodbridge High School Auditorium (1 Samuel Lupo Place, Woodbridge) No Reservations Required.
DEC. 14: The Woodbridge Recreation Department Presents: Pictures with Santa. 10:00 to 11:30 AM. Parker Press Park.
DEC. 14: Woodbridge Community Choir Holiday Concert. St. Anthony of Padua Church, 436 Port Reading Ave. FREE Will Donations Accepted.
DEC. 25: Annual Christmas Friendship Dinner will be served from 1:30 to 3:30 PM on Christmas Day at St. Anthony of Padua Church, Father Milos Parish Hall, 436 Port Reading Ave., Port Reading. All are Welcome. Please call St. Anthony’s Church at 732-634-1419 to confirm a seat at the table.
The ‘Season of Giving’ holiday food drive continues with food drop-off every weekday at the Woodbridge Township Health Center, 2 George Frederick Plaza; Woodbridge Town Hall, 1 Main Street; Woodbridge Main Library, 1 George Frederick Plaza; or at the Woodbridge Community Center, 600 Main Street, anytime between 8:30 AM and 4:30 PM. Your help and assistance is always appreciated.
If you’re looking to maximize the holiday shopping experience, plan to ‘Buy Local’ at the great specialty shops in any of our Downtown Shopping areas: Main Street in Woodbridge, New Brunswick Avenue in Fords, Inman Avenue in Colonia, Oak Tree Road in Iselin or at any of our neighborhood shops and stores. You’ll be sure to find something for everyone on your shopping list. But, before you start shopping… make sure you have the Woodbridge NOW APP on your phone or mobile device. The
Woodbridge NOW APP is FREE!!! Stay connected with just one touch. Visit www.twp.woodbridge.nj.us to download the Woodbridge NOW APP.
So, if it’s enjoying the seasonal classics… or fondly remembering holidays of the past with the smell roasting chestnuts… or helping serve a Christmas dinner to neighbors… it’s always “Happy Holidays” in Woodbridge – “The Best Town Around.” For more information on holiday events, log-on to the
Woodbridge Township Web Page at: www.twp.woodbridge.nj.us or call the Mayor’s Office at 732-602-
6015.
Have a Joyous, Safe and Prosperous Holiday Season and a Happy New Year!
John E. McCormac, Mayor
