Town supports Toys for Tots

JACKSON — This year for the first time, Mayor Mark Seda, the Township Council and residents participated in the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve’s Toys for Tots program.

“Hundreds and hundreds of toys have been donated. I’m simply overwhelmed by the outpouring of kindness shown by the Jackson community,” Seda said on the day the collection of toys ended.

“We spent the afternoon packing bags for the Marines. It seemed that every time I turned around, all I did was find more toys. It was just terrific,” the mayor said.

Several Jackson children were at town hall to help Mayor Seda and his staff pack up the donations.

“There’s trucks, dolls, games, stuffed animals — the kids are going to love these gifts,” said Michael Porth, a pupil at the Goetz Middle School.

“The Pound Puppy kept making noise while we tried to pack. We couldn’t stop laughing,” added Michael’s younger brother, Nicolas, a pupil at the Elms Elementary School.

Steven Porth, a student at Jackson Memorial High School, pondered the larger picture.

“When you look at all these toys and realize how many individuals contributed and how many children will receive these gifts, it’s amazing. Strangers connected to strangers just because they want to help,” Steven said.

The next day, Marines arrived at town hall to collect all of the donated toys.

“We filled their truck to the top. It’s a great feeling knowing how many children throughout central New Jersey will be touched by the holiday spirit of the residents of Jackson. I look forward to doing this again next year,” Township Adminis-trator William Santos said.

Seda thanked all who donated toys to the drive.

“Their generosity and the success of this first endeavor is heartwarming,” the mayor said.