Mayor Steve Fulop, Santa and the Cake Boss Buddy Valastro at Jersey City Annual Toy Drive

Jersey City Youth Foundation Joined  with Mayor Fulop for Annual Toy Drive; More than 600 Children Received Gifts, A Visit with the Cake Boss & Gelato from Tommy Two Scoops

Photos by Steve A. Mack- River View Observer 

Fulop Buddy and Santa
Jersey City Mayor Steve Fulop, Santa, and the Cake Boss Buddy Valastro team up to bring some Holiday Cheer to children at the Annual Toy Drive

JERSEY CITY – Mayor Steven M. Fulop and the Jersey City Youth Foundation have teamed up for the Mayor’s Annual Toy Drive to deliver holiday cheer and toys to more than 600 children, with the toys being distributed from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Friday, December 20th, 2013, at City Hall, 280 Grove Street.

And this year, Santa’s elves had some extra helpers with Cake Boss Buddy Valastro on hand to treat kids to cupcakes and cookies and local business owner Tommy Two Scoops  was  serving up gelato.

“We wanted as many people as possible to join us and get in the holiday spirit as we help bring a little cheer to those in need,” said Mayor Fulop. “The holidays are a time to give to others and what better way that joining with your community to celebrate.”

Mayor and buddy 1Toys  were  distributed by Santa to pre-registered families,  and residents who would like to join in and meet the Cake Boss and celebrate the holidays  were also invited to attend

More than 200 toys were also donated by the Hudson County Building Trades and Local 696.

“The outpouring of gifts has been tremendous and we thank all of the residents and businesses who again this year participated in the toy drive,” added Mayor Fulop.

The Resident Response Center has been registering families and collecting donations since early December and a number of local businesses helped by donating gift cards to the Jersey City Youth Foundation for the purchase of toys for children newborn to twelve years old.

About the Jersey City Youth Foundation

The JCYF strives to provide, enhance, expand and participate in the high-quality educational, recreational, cultural, and community enrichment programs. In 2013, our inaugural year, JCYF was able to provide backpacks to school children, Thanksgiving turkeys to families, and holiday toys to children. 2014 will be an exciting year as we continue to grow as an organization and expand our programming and impact on youth in Jersey City.

All media inquiries should be directed to Jennifer Morrill, Press Secretary for the City of Jersey City, at 201-547-4836 or 201-376-0699.///