United Way of Northern New Jersey is seeking the assistance of area residents and businesses to purchase holiday gifts for individuals in need during its 33rd annual United Way Gifts of the Season program.

With the community’s help, United Way Gifts of the Season distributes more than 6,000 holiday gifts annually to children, teens, senior citizens, unpaid family caregivers and home-based child care providers experiencing financial hardship across northern New Jersey.

“For families living paycheck to paycheck and households in poverty, the holiday season puts even more stress on already stretched budgets,” said United Way of Northern New Jersey CEO Kiran Handa Gaudioso. “Together, with individuals and groups pitching in, we can alleviate the strain these families face, such as having to choose between paying the heating bill and participating in the joys of the holiday season.”

United Way’s annual gift drive is focused on helping ALICE (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed) and families in poverty — those who struggle to afford life’s basics. Despite working in jobs that are critical to keeping communities running smoothly, ALICE essential workers are one emergency away from financial ruin. The holidays and winter months bring additional financial stress, which United Way is seeking to ease with community support.

Individuals, community groups, and businesses can support Gifts of the Season by fulfilling a specific gift wish or purchasing a general gift through Friday, Dec. 2,. United Way also accepts gift cards and donations through Wednesday, Dec. 7, to fulfill remaining gift requests.

To fulfill a gift wish, purchase a gift online, or donate, visit https://uwnnj.org/gifts2022. To learn how to run a virtual gift drive or for more information about United Way Gifts of the Season, email Cary.Dawson@UnitedWayNNJ.org or call 973.993.1160, x502.

This program is made possible in part due to the donation of warehouse space by CBRE.