This past weekend, Hoboken Grace held their second annual Hoboken Christmas Exchange, welcoming more than 800 family members and children. In total, over 1,300 people participated and the event was able to give members of the community an opportunity to help out families in need and a chance to create memories of their own.

The initiative was started two years ago by Kara Cohen and this past weekend, Hoboken Grace had over 100 volunteers to help deliver gifts and over 350 people who signed up to “adopt” a family or child, providing them with the tools and necessities to get through the holiday season. “I was at a loss for words much of the night,” said Cohen.

Participants were able to drop off their wrapped presents during the week prior in order for the families to be able to pick up their gifts over the weekend and have them in time to put under the tree. “Children will open clothes, toys and other items from their wish list on Christmas morning while parents received much needed household items like pots and pans, bedding and toiletries, diapers and towels,” said Anthony Reimer, Outreach Director at Hoboken Grace.

Hoboken Grace also worked with the Hoboken Housing Authority, HOPES, North Hudson Community Action Corporation and The Jubilee Center to locate families and children in need, and on December 18th, Hoboken Grace will be holding a special Christmas service at 9:30 a.m., 11:00 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. as well as a Christmas Eve service at 5 p.m. on the 24th, located at 301 Garden St, Hoboken.