Help children and families have food and toys this Christmas in New Jersey

In the season of giving and hope, it's important to remember that giving is better than receiving and providing hope for those in need of it is equally as important as putting others before yourself.

As you get going or continue with Christmas shopping and gathering food for the holiday season, take some time to think of others and, as your means allow, consider donating some of it to help a family and children in need in our community.

The Jersey Shore BlueClaws are hosting their annual 'Christmas with the Claws Food and Toy Drive' on Saturday December 3 from 10:00 am until 12:00 pm at ShoreTown Ballpark to benefit the Salvation Army of Ocean County.

"Fans can stop by, drop off unwrapped toys and non-perishable food that will eventually make its way to the Salvation Army for them to use through the holiday season," Jim McNamara, Executive Director of BlueClaws Charities tells Townsquare Media News. "They do their own toy shop so-to-speak in December, right before Christmas, where folks can come in and pick out these toys, so, we do our part to be a place where people can drop the stuff off."

Get our free mobile app

As you drop off some food and toys for this drive, you'll be able to meet Buster and bring the kids to see Santa and write him a letter to be sent to the North Pole, get some hot chocolate, among other parts of this 'Clawsome event and do some shopping in the Claws Cove.

"Anyone who does drop off toys or food will get ticket vouchers for our opening night, which is coming up a few months down the road, but will be here before you know it on Tuesday April 11 -- (one ticket per donor) -- which we're really excited about," McNamara said. "It's a great, fun event to kick off the holiday season."

There are no specific toys or list of toys that they're looking for, so when you're out shopping, think of what a young boy or girl would like for Christmas this year.

"I'd say maybe even some stuff for the older kids (as well) like the teenager age range," McNamara said.

Toys of all kinds are welcome for the younger boys and girls and for the teenagers as well so that everyone can have at least one toy to open on Christmas morning.

"Really, anything is appreciated, and I know us, here at the BlueClaws, and the Salvation Army are very grateful for it," McNamara said.

This is another perfect way the BlueClaws, and BlueClaws Charities are helping families across our communities here at the Jersey Shore.

Get our free mobile app

"We have almost a responsibility in my mind of being that front porch for the community and doing as much good and giving back as much as we can with the resources that we have, not only to give fans a great time and a fun experience here at a game over the summer, but, really year-round to contribute to the overall well-being of folks here at the Shore," McNamara said.

The 'Christmas with the Claws Food and Toy Drive' again takes place on December 3 from 10:00 am until 12:00 pm, but, if you can't make it that day, you're welcome to drop food and toys off beforehand.

"They can come by before then usually between the hours of 10:00 am and 3:00 pm during the week, just come into our front office and we'll gladly accept anything," McNamara said. "We'll make sure we get it to the Salvation Army."

If you have any additional questions beforehand as well, you can contact Jim McNamara at 732-415-2202 or jmcnamara@blueclaws.com.