Thanksgiving Baskets and
Christmas Gifts were Plentiful
In 2016, MNDC saw many families in need. Thankfully, we were able to help them during this past holiday season. For Thanksgiving, we reached out to the community and distributed 30 food baskets, chock full of the items that say Thanksgiving dinner for a typical family.
For Christmas, we accepted donations of unwrapped toys at the MNDC office. The night before the party, our staff, board and volunteers came together for a Wrap Attack. Somehow, we got all of the presents wrapped, just in time for our party on December 17th at the Glenfield Park House which featured a visit from Santa and Mrs. Claus, dinner and gift distribution to more than 250 children.
Many thanks go to the local Teamsters Local 177 as well as S.O.F.I.A, The American Legion – Crawford Crews, NJ Post 251, Craig K. Brandon, Brendan W. Gill, Dr. Renee Baskerville, MD, Montclair’s Minority Police Association – Sentinels 16, Ted Keenan, Thomas P. Giblin, Mindful Breath Foundation, Toni’s Kitchen – Saint Luke’s Episcopal Church, William J. Ewing Esquire, Wendy and Will Young, Debbie Allen – Montclair Kimberley Academy, Montclair Police Athletic League – P.A.L., Brother to Brother, Eddie Hall – Montclair African American Heritage Foundation, Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity Inc., Eureka Lodge, Garth Guthrie, Montclair Anglers Association and Alan Valentine.
On December 4th, many friends of MNDC celebrated the holidays with an afternoon of jazz and refreshments at our Come & Mingle party. Held at the Woman's Club of Upper Montclair, we had delicious food provided by Vital, Euro Resturant & The Aquil Resturant, and served by volunteers from Reach Out - Montclair and our Project Life Entrepreneurs Program. Spirits were so high that one table erupted into spontaneous caroling, in harmony, no less!
We were privileged to honor Mr. Ronald Bolandi, Interim Superintendent of the Montclair Public Schools. He has been a valuable ally of MNDC, providing his support as we help prepare at-risk students to become responsible and hard-working individuals. We hope to benefit from his continuing involvement even as his term with our schools expires.
Lots of Cheer at our Holiday Party
Volunteers from Reach Out - Montclair and our Project Life Entrepreneurs Program worked the kitchen at our party.
This table sang Christmas carols together.
MNDC Staff and board
Board member Peter Keating and MNDC Director of Program Services & Case Management, Elaine Spears.
Renee Baskerville along with Mr. & Mrs. Claus and a cheerful elf.
Thanksgiving dinners ready for distribution