Representatives of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) Local Union 351 delivered a carload of toys and games to City Hall on Dec. 8 for Mayor Leonard Desiderio’s 28th Annual Holiday Toy and Food Drive.
The assortment of gifts for boys and girls was donated by individual members of Local 351, which is based in Folsom, N.J.
“Local Union 351 is very happy to help Mayor Desiderio’s Toy and Food Drive bring holiday cheer to families who are struggling during these difficult times,” Local 351 Business Agent John Gray said in a press release announcing the donation.
Desiderio said the donation “clearly shows the generosity of IBEW Local 351 and its members, who are generous not only during the holiday season but also year round.”
“I would like to thank Roy Foster and all the members of the IBEW for their kindness. The men and women of labor have once again showed their great leadership and their commitment to the community,” Desiderio said in the release.
Another notable donation made to the Mayor’s Toy and Food Drive came from a local property owner who is also a part-time photographer.
After being encouraged by his wife, Kathi, to use his photography talents for a charitable cause, retired realtor Jerry Hussar, of Harleysville, Pa., and Sea Isle, snapped iconic images of the shore community and used them to create a 2021 wall calendar, which he sold for $20 each.
Hussar presented Desiderio with one of the calendars on Dec. 11 and a check for $250, which represented the proceeds from the calendar sale.
He told the mayor that next year he also plans to create a 2022 calendar, which will result in a donation to the 2021 Toy and Food Drive.
“My thanks go to Jerry and Kathi Hussar for designing their beautiful calendar and for their generous donation to our drive,” Desiderio said. “It is wonderful that they put their creative skills to such good use – and we are very grateful for that. I look forward to seeing their 2022 calendar as well.”
For nearly three decades, the Holiday Toy and Food Drive has collected donations that are delivered directly to families in need prior to Christmas Day. For additional information about the 2020 Holiday Toy and Food Drive, call 609-263-4461, ext. 1245.
