Newark, NJ – December 21, 2020 – Mayor Ras J. Baraka and Central Ward Council Member LaMonica McIver announced today that the city joined with the Believe in Newark Foundation and other sponsors to host a Citywide Toy Giveaway yesterday, at Cityplex 12 Cinema Parking Lot, located at 360 Springfield Avenue, in Newark’s Central Ward.

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Newark youth aged 12 and below received free holiday toys at the event. Social distancing, masks, pre-registration, and proof of Newark residency were required to receive the toys. Residents were able to walk up, drive up, or grab the toys and go. The toys were given out to pre-registered residents on a first-come, first-served basis.

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“Newark has survived a challenging year, and so has our youth. This toy giveaway gives us an opportunity to bring some holiday cheer and love to our children during a difficult time, which is what this season means to many city residents. I thank our partner, Believe in Newark, and our co-sponsors in making the giveaway happen, and my best wishes to our youth for a blessed and enjoyable holiday season,” said Mayor Baraka.

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Co-sponsoring the giveaway were the New Jersey Devils, the Newark Bronze Shields, the Vulcan Pioneers, and Council Member McIver.

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“No child should go without during Christmas and we are going to do our best to make sure that does not happen,” said Andre Hollis, President of Believe in Newark. “We are incredibly proud of the work we’ve been able to do each winter. Since underserved families need help, our goal for 2021 is to expand our efforts and bring in additional support through partnerships and corporate sponsorships.”

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“Getting together as a community to provide free toys to children is a great opportunity to empower our community and put a smile on many faces,” said Council Member McIver.

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For more information, see Newark News video of event.

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About Believe in Newark:

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Founded in 2014 by community leaders, the Believe in Newark Foundation, Inc. (BINF) is a non-profit community organization that serves as a vehicle to provide resources, technical assistance and foster greater giving to support the community and residents of the City of Newark. Through effective partnerships, our outcome will promote a healthy and high quality of life in the City of Newark, NJ. Please visit our website www.believeinnewark.org for more information.

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- NEWARK -