This year, gift cards to Wal-Mart and ShopRite are going to people in need in the southern part of Hunterdon County.
DELAWARE TWP. -- For more than two decades, the Jingle Elves outreach program has made sure the holidays are a little happier for community members in need.
Last year, around 200 people benefited, said organizer Dianne Rankin.
The program, which started with a giving tree at the Delaware Township municipal building, has expanded its reach into Kingwood, Stockton and other south-county towns.
Collecting individual gifts got to be overwhelming, Rankin said, so for the past five years the program has been accepting monetary donations. They go toward gift cards for Wal-Mart and ShopRite, she said.
"This way people can get what they need most," she said.
Those gift cards will start going out within a week to recipients identified by area schools, clergy and others.
While the nonprofit's primary purpose is to provide gift cards during the holiday season, it also delivers poinsettia plants to the families of Delaware Township residents who died in the past year.
"The first Christmas is the hardest after you've lost someone," Rankin said. Those flowers were delivered last week.
All donations are anonymous in the program -- the recipients don't know who the donors are donors don't know who will benefit.
PLUS: Jingle Elves' outreach expands
A newer program of Jingle Elves is "Secret Santa," where money is donated for a specific gift to a specific person. This year, a single mom will receive a new kitchen appliance that she wants but can't get for herself because she spends all the money on bills and the children, Rankin said. Again, the donor remains anonymous.
Another special gift this year raised money to cover medical expenses for Frankie Hall, who was bitten by a dog on July 4th.
The program doesn't end with the holiday season.
"It addresses emergencies throughout the year," Rankin said. "When people run out of food, when there was a fire at a home on Route 12. We focus on the holiday season, but are available throughout the year."
Jingle Elves' seven board members receive no compensation, and its operating costs are about 3 percent of the funds collected, with the rest going directly to residents in need.
Tax-deductible donations can be sent to: P.O. Box 252, Sergeantsville, NJ 08557.
Sallie Graziano may be reached at sgraziano@njadvancemedia.com. Follow her on Twitter @SallieGraziano. Find The Hunterdon County Democrat on Facebook.
