Operation Sleighbells: Aiding families for 100 years

LONG BRANCH — One hundred years ago Family & Children's Service (FCS) began an annual giving program that has distributed thousands of gifts of warm clothing, toys and books to families in need.

As in years past, this year Operation Sleighbells continues to help families throughout Monmouth County.

The program began a century ago when a group of businessmen sitting in the lobby of a Long Branch hotel watched as a group of children scrambled outside for free Christmas toys being tossed from a truck, according to a press release from the agency. Moved by the children's excitement and appreciation, they decided to commit their resources to provide more for local children and began an annual holiday toy drive. That toy drive blossomed into an agency "to better the lives of neighbors in need."

More than 500 families and nearly 3,000 children will be provided for this season. Families register with FCS from communities throughout Monmouth County.

The FCS press release said sponsors are still needed. Families, businesses and corporations can participate in several ways, including adopting a family. FCS will provide the ages, sizes and wishes of each child in the family.

Some sponsors also provide gifts for the caregivers, parents or grandparents, and put together a goodie-bag of home wares and a food card for the family's holiday dinner, the press release states.

Donations of new, unwrapped toys, clothes and/or food store gift cards are always greatly appreciated. FCS will then sort and distribute as needed to families who have registered for the program.

For those who don't have time to shop, monetary donations, gift cards or gift certificates are welcome, and FCS will do the shopping for the chosen recipients. To become a sponsor or donor, call FCS at 732- 222-9111 or visit fcsmonmouth.org.