As a Papp Iron Works tradition of charitable giving, we think of those less fortunate at this time of the year. In their honor we have made the bequests listed below. Special thanks go to Keisha Culver, who as project manager for this undertaking, shopped for the clothes and teddy bears and delivered them to all 3 receiving agencies.

We gave the following to the “Kids Closet” at the Community Food Bank of New Jersey; 20 winter coats, 87 pairs of pants, 40 sweaters, 87 shirts and 58 pairs of socks. The Community Food Bank of NJ also provides clothing to charitable agencies serving low-income families. Visit them at www.njfoodbank.org

Supporting America’s military in their time of need, we provided funding to the Fisher House for 20 families to be close to a loved one at the most stressful time — during hospitalization for a combat injury or illness. Our donation allows 7 weeks lodging for 20 families of injured servicemen at the Womack Army Medical Center in Ft. Bragg, North Carolina. Fisher House provides “a home away from home” for families of active duty servicemen receiving medical care at major Military and VA medical centers throughout the country. Learn more at www.fisherhouse.org.

We donated 40 custom “Build a Bear” teddy bears to children patients at Saint Barnabas Burn Center & the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey (UMDNJ) in Newark. Saint Barnabas Burn Center is one of the Nation’s premier hospitals treating burn victims. The UMDNJ’s teddy bears will go to local community outreach programs for distribution to needy children.

May this holiday be full of peace and joy for you and your loved ones.