The winter holidays are fast approaching, which means it’s time for gift-giving and receiving. For many children throughout Hudson County, participating in a gift exchange is not a reality. Because every child deserves a magical holiday season, various organizations throughout the county have organized a way to spread holiday cheer through gift donation opportunities. Check out the list below to learn more about how to support children in the community this holiday season.
RWJBarnabas Health Virtual Toy Drive | All Year
Hundreds of children will spend the holiday season in hospitals this year but having a special gift can offer a sense of comfort during a difficult time. RJWBarnabas Health: The Children’s Hospital of New Jersey, is hosting a Virtual Toy Drive this year. Donations from generous community members help the Child Life team purchase developmentally appropriate toys for patients. Please note that due to COVID-19, the hospital is not able to accept physical items. The drive has gone fully virtual this year. To make a monetary donation, check out the Amazon Wish List, or to learn more about this effort, click here.
6th Annual Holiday Toy Giveaway Hosted by Whole Spectrum Autism & Smile Preschool and Nursery | Though December 2nd
Whole Spectrum Autism (a Jersey City-based 501c3 charity) and Smile Preschool and Nursery will host their sixth annual Toy Giveaway for children newborn to 10 years of age on December 2nd from 6:30-7:00PM on the Newark Avenue Pedestrian Plaza at 145 Newark Avenue. As of 11/30/21, over 600 children have registered to receive age-appropriate toys as well as winter accessories such as hats, scarves, and gloves.
Jersey City’s 25th Annual Toy Drive Donation | Through December 3rd
Jersey City is hosting its annual toy drive donation this December. Those wishing to donate can bring unwrapped toys appropriate for ages 1-12 to the Resident Response Center (208 Grove Street) Monday through Friday between 9AM and 6PM or toys can be purchased through the Amazon Wish List here. Toys will be distributed on December 3rd. To learn more about getting involved, click here. Mask wearing and social distancing protocols will be in place during gift distribution.
Read More: Where to Buy a Real Christmas Tree in New Jersey + New York
Hoboken Community Center Holiday Market | Through December 9th
The Hoboken Community Center is hosting its 2nd Annual Holiday Market on December 9th. To get involved, drop off a new gift during The Center’s extended holiday drop off hours Monday, Tuesday, and Thursdays from 9AM-11AM at 1301 Washington Street or at any of the drop off locations at bwé kafé (Newport and Viaduct Hoboken locations) or Choc ●O ●Pain (uptown and downtown locations). Gifts should not be wrapped, but wrapping supplies are accepted as donations so families can wrap on their own. To learn more about how to get involved, check out The Center on Instagram @hobokenfoodpantry or email [email protected].
Hudson County CASA First Annual Toy Drive | Through December 9th
Clutch Moto presents its First Annual Toy Drive. The drive will accept new and unwrapped toys for Hudson County Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) at Clutch Moto in Bayonne, located at 590 Avenue C. Hudson County CASA is a non-profit organization that recruits and trains volunteers who advocate for foster care children with the goal of a safe and permanent home for each child. To learn more, check out the organization on Instagram @HudsonCASA.
Sgt. Peter Zanin “Peachy” Toy Drive | Through December 10th
Sgt. Peter Zanin spent more than 20 years in the Hoboken Police Force and was known for his love of supporting the community. Sgt. Zanin passed away last year at the age of 46 and, in his honor, his loved ones have organized a holiday toy drive. Donations of unwrapped toys or gift cards in any denomination can be dropped off at any of the three locations, which are the Hoboken Police Department (106 Hudson Street) and Hoboken Firehouses (1313 Washington Street and 616 Washington Street) through December 10th.
The Hoboken Christmas Exchange | Through December 11th
Hoboken Grace Church is hosting its annual Hoboken Christmas Exchange for the seventh year. There are opportunities to donate gifts as well as to volunteer to distribute toys. Donors will be paired with a child whose wish list has been submitted. Donations can be dropped off at 301 Garden Street on December 9th from 7:30PM-9PM, December 10th from 7:30PM-9PM, and December 11th from 9AM-11AM. Donations should be wrapped. Volunteers are also needed to accept donations and distribute toys. To learn more about the Hoboken Christmas Exchange and how to get involved, visit the site here.
See More: A Guide to Planning the Perfect Holiday ‘Getaway’ in Hudson County
North Jersey Toys for Tots | Through December 12th
For more than 60 years, Toys for Tots has been making children all over the country smile during the holidays and this year is no different. Community members can make an age-appropriate toy donation by December 12th. Donations can be accepted at the tents in front of the visitor center’s parking lot aboard Picatinny Arsenal, NJ on Friday, December 10th starting at 8AM through 50PM and Saturday, December 11th from 9:AM until 2PM or can be dropped off at any of the Drop Off Locations, prior to Dec 12th, listed on this site here.
902 Brewing Company 2nd Annual Toy Drive | December 2nd- December 19th
902 Brewing Company is back for another year of cheer. The Jersey City brewery, located at 101 Pacific Avenue, is hosting its 2nd annual toy drive. Donations of unwrapped toys will be accepted and those who participate will receive 10% off their check. All toys will be donated to the Dante Aligieri Society’s Annual Children’s Christmas Event scheduled for Sunday, December 20th.
Joey No Nuts Cafe
The cafe is hosting its 3rd annual “Remember to Love” toy drive. Unwrapped toys can be dropped off at 638 Willow Avenue in Hoboken. These toys will go to underprivileged children in Greenville, Jersey City.
Hanukkah 2024 Events + Treats in Hudson County and Beyond
This year, Hannukah, a Jewish holiday celebrating the rededication of the Second Temple in Jerusalem, starts on Wednesday, December 25th, and ends on January 2nd, 2025. Whether you're looking to attend events before the holiday or during, there are all kinds of gatherings for the Jewish community in Hoboken, Jersey City, and beyond the coming weeks. The Hoboken Girl has rounded up a list of Hanukkah-related events, and — as a bonus — has featured a guide to finding Jewish treats in the area. Keep reading for a guide to Hanukkah events happening in Hudson County + beyond for 2024, and a list of local spots serving Jewish treats.
Events
Chanukah Fire + Ice | 3 Speedwell Avenue, Morristown
December 26th | 5PM
Located at Pioneer Park at the HQ Plaza in Morristown, this free event will feature doughnuts, hot drinks, chocolate gelt, Chanukah music, a Chanukah giveaway for children, and a free raffle. Guests can also look forward to a live sculpting and light of a menorah made of ice, stilt walkers, and a roving magician. See the website for more details.
Read More: Where to Get Jewish Treats in Hoboken, Jersey City, + Beyond
Hannakauh Celebration + Menorah Lighting in Verona | 600 Bloomfield Avenue, Verona
December 26th | 6PM
The free event, which begins at 6PM, will be held outside of Verona's Town Hall. Guests can look forward to live music from Rabbi Dan’s Midnight Nosh Band, arts and crafts for children, fried treats and refreshments, and more. See this link for more information.
Menorah Lighting in West Caldwell | 707 Bloomfield Avenue, West Caldwell
December 26th | 4PM
Essex County locals can look forward to a Menorah lighting at West Caldwell Civic Center on December 26th. Rabbi Lucas of Congregation Agudath Israel and Educational Director Susan Werk will light the Menorah. Refreshments will also be served. See the event flyer here.
Montclair Chanukah Fest + Menorah Lighting | 5 Seymour Street, Montclair
December 26th | 5:30PM
The Wellmont Arts Plaza will host a free Chanukah Festival and Menorah Lighting on Thursday, December 26th. There will be a live concert featuring Kosha Dillz, an LED robot, hot latkes and beverages, and gifts for children. RSVP for this event here.
The Annual Chanukah Soiree | 225 River Street, Hoboken
December 26th | 7:30PM
The Chabad Young Professionals of Hoboken + Jersey City community will host an event for young Jewish adults at the W Hotel, located at 225 River Street in Hoboken, on December 26th. The event includes a Menorah lighting, an open bar, a sushi bar, various hors d'oeuvres, and a latke + doughnut station. For more information about this event click here.
Treats
Babka Bailout | 476 Central Avenue A, Jersey City
Babka Bailout is a Jewish bakery in Jersey City specializing in babkas and challah bread. The menu includes innovative creations like Cereal Milk, made with marshmallow fluff and condensed milk and coated in fruity pebbles, and traditional Jewish treats like plain challah bread topped with sesame seeds. In addition to its expansive menu, this bakery has partnered with Butterfield Market + Catering in NYC to provide gelt babkas for Hanukkah. These treats are topped with chocolate coins and mini cutouts of the Star of David.
Choc O Pain | Multiple locations in Hoboken + Jersey City
This bakery, with locations all over Hoboken and Jersey City, is serving Bordelais Boule sourdough bread. For an additional cost, this treat can come with a specialized stencil, including a "Happy Hanukkah" design. To place an order for this bread, see here.
Hank Schwartz’s Delicatessen | Jersey City
Jersey City locals can usually find this Jewish deli at the Riverview Farmers Market on Sundays. The weekly menu typically consists of options like vegan lox, whitefish salad, all kinds of sandwiches, and more. In previous years, Hank Schwartz's provided a separate menu for Hanukkah, which included items like crispy potato latkes, housemade crème fraîche, and applesauce. Details regarding a special holiday menu for this year have yet to be announced, so make sure to check out the business's Instagram for any future announcements.
Hobby’s Delicatessen + Restaurant | 32 Brandford Place #2723, Newark
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Hobby’s Deli, located in downtown Newark near the Prudential Center, has been featured in documentaries, various media outlets, and publications like Food and Wine Magazine and the New York Times. This Jewish deli serves Eastern European delicacies like corned beef, chopped liver, potato pancakes, and homemade soups. See the menu here.
Kosher Nosh Deli Restaurant + Catering | 894 Prospect Street, Glen Rock
Kosher Nosh Deli Restaurant has served the Bergen County community since 1976 and provides Kosher Catering, Kosher Delicatessen, appetizers, and more. Aside from its everyday menu and selection of Jewish desserts, this spot also serves a Shabbat Special all day on Friday and Thursday nights. For $49.98, locals can enjoy one quart of the daily soup, an oven-roasted chicken, the choice of egg barley + mushrooms, kasha varnishkes, or orzo + mushrooms, challah bread, and more. See the full menu on the website.
Liv Breads | 275 Essex Street, Milburn
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Liv Breads in Milburn will take pre-orders for Hanukkah. Its menu consists of sufganiyot in either strawberry jam or Nutella, chocolate-Graham babka, and challah bread. Pre-orders are available from December 25th to January 1st. To order from Liv Breads, see this link.
Mikki + Al’s Noshery | 179 Glenridge Avenue, Montclair
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In addition to the usual hot and cold sandwiches, salads, beverages, and desserts, Mikki + Al’s in Montclair is serving a special menu for Hanukkah. From a holiday brisket with gravy to a savory noodle kugel, there are plenty of options to consider. The menu also includes sufganiyots filled with raspberry jelly and coated in cinnamon sugar. To see the full menu and place an order, see here. Also, keep in mind that orders must be placed 48 hours in advance.
Nana’s Deli | 210 Hudson Street, Jersey City (inside Harborside Building) + 27 South Livingston Avenue, Livingston
This deli has locations in Livingston and Jersey City and serves Jewish staples like matzoh ball soup and brisket. Along with assorted dessert and bread platters, Nana’s Deli is providing a Kiddush Catering Menu, which comes with Nana’s Famous Tuna, egg salad, cream cheese, vegetable cheese, sliced cheeses, and a tomato + onion platter. Customers can also choose various add-on options like homemade hummus + pita chips and salmon salad.
Sweet Kneads by Ridhma | 38 South Livingston Avenue, Livingston
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Sweet Kneads by Ridhma is a Kosher-certified boutique bakery in Livingston. For the Hanukkah season, this spot is providing Hanukkah dessert boxes, which are now available for pre-order. Customers can look forward to mini doughnut holes in flavors like jelly, lemon raspberry, Nutella rocher, and more. To place an order, call 973-320-9030.
See More: Where to Find Passover Dishes in New Jersey
Yuki’s Bakery + Coffee | 720 Monroe Street, Hoboken
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This Jewish and Israeli spot sells all kinds of treats, including babka, challah, and rugelach cakes. In years past, Yuki's Bakery featured a special Hanukkah menu, which included strawberry jam and chocolate sufganiyots. Make sure to visit the bakery's website for potential announcements regarding a Hanukkah menu.
