Experience the Joy of Making a Difference

Many people in our community struggle to acquire the basic necessities of life- food, clothing and shelter. Others are victims of domestic violence, alcohol and drug abuse. And sadly, children often suffer through no fault of their own. People feel these deprivations most keenly during the holiday season, which is why our official campaign runs from early November through the end of January the following year. However, we accept donations all year round. 



OUR HISTORY

The Greater Newark Holiday Fund began in 1937, when America was in still in the throes of the Great Depression. It was a time of unprecedented poverty and joblessness that affected millions of people’s lives..
Moved by the hardships they saw around them, a group of businessmen were inspired to provide Christmas presents to children on the streets of Newark. It was the beginning of a lasting tradition.

By the 1950’s, this initiative had grown into the Greater Newark Christmas Fund and it now supported relief efforts by several local social service agencies during the holiday season. The Newark Evening News promoted the fund by carrying appeals for donations and stories about the good it was doing.

In 1972, when the Evening News ceased operations, Mort Pye, then editor of The Newark Star-Ledger, instituted a partnership with the fund that continues to this day. Over the years, the fund has extended its geographic reach to cover Essex, Union, Passaic, Hudson, Morris, and Bergen Counties.

In 2002, the organization changed its name to the Greater Newark Holiday Fund, reflecting the cross-denominational nature of its mission. Despite the fact that our yearly campaign officially runs for two months during the holiday season, we accept donations year round. Over the years, we have contributed nearly $12 million toward the betterment of thousands of families in our community. Annual donations are approaching a half-million dollars a year; a tribute to the civic generosity of the people of New Jersey.

children playing

WE BELIeVE EVERYONE DESERVES
A BRIGHTER FUTURE


Star-Ledger and NJ.com

NJ Advance Media, The Star-Ledger and NJ.com have played a major role in the Greater Newark Holiday Fund’s success over many years.

Throughout the annual campaign, New Jersey’s leading newspaper and news and information website provide daily appeals for donations as well as write compelling program/recipient profiles to showcase the good work the fund does to improve the lives of people in the community.

We are proud to be associated with NJ Advance Media, The Star-Ledger and NJ.com and thank them for their continued support in helping us serve the residents of the greater Newark area. Visit NJ.com.

NJ Advance Media is a data-driven marketing agency and the #1 provider of local news in New Jersey. We drive daily conversations and engage millions of people through quality journalism on NJ.com, The Star-Ledger, social channels and in newsletters and other print publications.