As the Chanukah season approaches, over 50 schools, shuls, companies and neighborhoods across Lakewood have joined the effort to collect brand new toys for Chai Lifeline’s families.

Whether it’s arduous treatments or a lifelong disease, illness requires extra-human strength for the child and family to survive. “The hardest time of year is around Yom Tov. We live in a kind of vacuum, we need to focus on just getting through the day. We don’t have the time to think about the upcoming Yom Tov until the day of!” says the mother of a cancer patient.

Chai Life’s toy drive ensures that all children feel the excitement leading up to this festive time. With toy drop-off boxes filling up across numerous neighborhoods, the entire Lakewood community is given the opportunity to truly make a difference!

This year’s Toy Drive offers two new and unique dimensions. Joining in the campaign are large corporations that have graciously opened their doors and encouraged their employees to bring in toys and fill their toy collection boxes. In addition, the Adopt-a-Family option offers families the opportunity to provide the specific gift preferences of a Chai Lifeline family. “Taking my kids shopping for ‘our family’ was such a meaningful experience. My 7 year old spent a half hour looking between two lego sets; he was trying to imagine which set his recipient would enjoy more,” says volunteer Esther L. “I’m so happy my children had the chance to think of others, instead of just expecting their own Chanukah presents.”

To bring the Toy Drive to your neighborhood, or to participate in the Adopt-a-Family program, call 732-719-1700.

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