Community Corner

Volunteers Help Wrap Operation Jersey Shore Santa Gifts at Matawan Aberdeen Library

People of all ages pitched in Tuesday night to help wrap holiday gifts for families struggling after Sandy.

The Matawan Aberdeen Public Library transformed into Santa's workshop Tuesday night as volunteers wrapped holiday gifts for families struggling in the aftermath of Sandy.

The gifts were donated to Operation Jersey Shore Santa (OJSS), a charitable organization launched only days after the storm to collect toys and clothes for families who may not have the resources to celebrate this year, according to founder Jackie O'Leary of Brick.

Library Director Kimberly Paone saw an OJSS Facebook status looking for volunteers who were willing to wrap the gifts. 

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"I volunteered myself to wrap because it was something I could do to help," Paone said. "Then I thought wait, we have a place and volunteers." 

The Friends of the Matawan Aberdeen Public Library got in on the holiday cheer and donated gift wrap, bows, tape and scissors for the volunteers to use.

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Volunteers spread themselves across the many large tables throughout the library and three hours later, all of the gifts were wrapped and stored safely in the meeting room. 

Operation Jersey Shore Santa will be collecting gifts until Dec. 15. For the most up-to-date information on collection centers and the needs of families, visit their Facebook page


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