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Jordan S - Toys for Tots Youth Ambassador

Jordan, at the age of 5, decided he wanted to do something special for kids in need during the holiday season. He originally wanted to host a lemonade stand, but we agreed that it was too cold for that. We decided to host a hot cocoa stand in our driveway for our closest friends and family. Little did we know, our small idea would turn into such a big event. People driving by stopped and our neighbors joined in on the fun. Jordan received a certificate from Toys for Tots and was presented a Certificate of Appreciation by the Gloucester County Board of Chosen Freeholders. Our first year, we raised $1,005 to purchase gifts for kids at CHOP and Gloucester County Toys for Tots. 

For the second year, we set a goal to try to raise even more money than we did the first year. We were overwhelmed with the support we received and we doubled the amount of money we raised, totaling $2,300. We enjoyed shopping for the gifts and Jordan's brother, Chase, even joined in on the fun. 

Year three, we decided to step it up and spread the word to our community.  Jordan made flyers for his classmates and teachers. We made the Facebook event public and so many friends and family passed along the information. The amount of support we received in 2019 was unbelievable and an experience we will never forget. The Washington Township first responders, including fire fighters, EMTs, and police officers surprised us at the event. Jordan was featured on NBC and FOX news. He was honored at the Town Council Meeting and received a Proclamation for being an Extraordinary Resident by Mayor Gattinelli. We were able to raise $4,600! 

Year 4 brought on some challenges as we all faced the COVID-19 pandemic. We did not allow this to stop our efforts to bring joy to as many faces after such a challenging year. With the help of Wawa and Dave and Busters, we were able to get creative and give vouchers for a hot beverage at Wawa and game passes for in-person donations. Jordan's event was advertised on local news stations and they even joined us at the event. With the help of friends, family, the community, and complete strangers who heard about our story, we were able to raise a total of $6,743!

In 2021, Jordan was able to raise $5,237, in addition to 114 gifts. In 2022, Jordan raised $4,800 and several Toys for Tots boxes filled with toys. Year 7 (2023), Jordan continued his mission to raise money for kids in need. He was able to raise $4,673.35 and donate 14 1/2 Toys for Tots boxes filled with toys. As always, our donations went to CHOP and Gloucester County Toys for Tots. 

This year, the Kids in Need Hot Cocoa Stand will take place on Saturday, November 30 from 9:00-12:00. We will collect monetary donations and toys until Saturday,  December 7th.