STORM WATCH

Tracking scattered overnight snow & rain in NJ followed by cold strong winds

Newark public safety’s annual toy distribution lifts spirits up during pandemic

Toys will give residents something to smile about after two young girls helped to make it all possible.

News 12 Staff

Dec 28, 2020, 5:57 PM

Updated 1,437 days ago

Share:

Newark’s Public Safety Complex on Orange Street looked more like Santa's workshop on Wednesday.
That’s because it was the city's annual Department of Public Safety toy distribution event.
A tradition for years, Mayor Ras Baraka said this year’s event was extra special because many spirits are down due to the pandemic.
Toys will give residents something to smile about after two young girls helped to make it all possible.
"You need to see the two young ladies who really spearhead this effort. Let's give it up for Ally and Gabby. Well, these young ladies, really, they just exhibit the true meaning of the holiday season: Giving," said Essex County Prosecutor Theodore Stephen. "Having to deal with a pandemic is something we have never had to do before. So it's fantastic that we are here today. As the mayor indicated, we are here with Toys for Tots, to bring some normalcy back in this holiday season."
The young girls acquired and donated 250 toys for Newark children, all of which will be delivered.