Annual Social Service drive fills holiday needs, wishes
December 24, 2014 Last updated: Wednesday, December 24, 2014, 10:54 AM
By Jodi Weinberger
This month, dozens of children will receive toys and other gifts during their holiday celebrations thanks to the Social Service Association of Ridgewood and Vicinity (SSA).
The non-profit organization recently wrapped up its annual donation collection, just one of the many ways it has been serving northwest Bergen County since 1913.
On Dec. 10 in the basement of the Upper Ridgewood Community Church, volunteers sorted through piles of clothes and toys that will be delivered to more than 130 children from the village, Glen Rock, Ho-Ho-Kus, Midland Park, Waldwick and Wyckoff.
Beginning in September, SSA reaches out to families who have children high school age and younger and asks them to fill out a list of needs and wishes from the children, said Denise Vollkommer, the organization’s exective director.
Needs include shirts, sweatshirts, jeans, jackets, tights and socks, and wishes can be items like toys, games or gift cards.
SSA then gives the lists to schools, businesses and other private sponsors who fulfill the purchasing.
