Matawan PBA Delivers Holiday Cheer to Struggling Families

The looked a lot like Santa's workshop on Wednesday night. Presents - including cameras, bicycles, toys and teddy bears - lined the walls of an old classroom in the building, wrapped and ready to go.

For the eleventh year in a row, the Matawan Police Benevolence Association #179 (PBA) for families struggling financially over the holidays.

Collection boxes were placed in , , Quick Check, Freehold Buick GMC, and in early November. The held a benefit for the cause, and the PBA also collected food donations and monetary donations.

"We also give the families food. Pancake mix for Christmas morning, something for lunch and all the fixings for a Christmas dinner, including a turkey," said Matawan Borough Police Officer Jeff Bodner, who organizes the Annual Toy/Food Drive.

The PBA receives names of families in need from the Matawan Food Pantry, the school district and by word of mouth.

And although the gifts do not arrive on Santa's sleigh, they are delivered by police car and ambulance with the help of the .

The best part, however, is seeing the children excited to open the gifts they didn't expect to receive, Bodner said.