Oct 27, 2010

Summit’s Santa Claus Shop needs help to serve needyBy Independent PressNJ.com

Summit, NJ – The Santa Claus Shop will open its doors to area families, providing its 44th consecutive year of complimentary holiday shopping. The shop serves more than 500 low-income families and senior citizens from Summit, New Providence and Berkeley Heights who are referred by local social services agents.

The Santa Claus Shop guests personally select a household item, new clothing for each member of their immediate family and a new toy for each child. Gift wrapping is done on the premises by local volunteers.

This year’s Santa Claus Shop will be held at St. John’s Lutheran Church, 587 Springfield Avenue Summit. This year the Santa Claus Shop will be hosting a holiday gathering for senior citizens on Monday December 6. Families will be offered extended shopping hours on Tuesday December 7.

The Santa Claus Shop exists solely on the donations of local businesses and volunteers. The Summit Junior Fortnightly Club, the Summit Women’s Club and the Junior League of Summit provide shopping helpers, wrappers and assistance with mailings. Local Scout troops, church groups and students help with the clean-up and delivery of gifts to homebound seniors.

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