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originally published: 12/07/2022

(SHORT HILLS, NJ) -- The conference room at New Jersey American Water’s Short Hills operating center was full of wrapping paper, toys and cheer as employees gathered to wrap presents for children in need this holiday season.

New Jersey American Water employees and members of Utility Workers Union of America (UWUA) Local 99 and Utility Workers Union of America (UWUA) Local 391 all joined together to purchase gifts from The Salvation Army New Jersey Division’s Angel Tree Program. The spirit of Christmas filled the room as the employees wrapped gifts they bought for local families. From clothing to the top toys of 2022 to household items – each gift was carefully wrapped knowing that it will bring joy and a sense of relief to those facing struggles this holiday season.

Staff members at the New Jersey American Water Delran operating center also supported the toy drive, furthering the impact of the company’s generosity – and ensuring that children throughout the state will wake up to toys under the tree on Christmas morning.

The Salvation Army Angel Tree Program helps provide gifts for thousands of children throughout New Jersey each year. This year, The Salvation Army has seen an increase in sign-ups for Christmas assistance as many families continue to face challenges from the ongoing impacts of the pandemic, inflation, evictions, and job loss.

“The need is more significant now than ever before, and we are so grateful for the support of New Jersey American Water for this wonderful donation of toys,” said Qulonda Stuckey, Director of Corporate and Foundation Giving for The Salvation Army Division. “The employees are not just giving a child a special Christmas memory, but are also easing the burdens of struggling families across the state. It’s through partnerships like this that we are able to make meaningful impacts in the lives of so many New Jerseyans.”

 

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New Jersey American Water works with a number of community-based partners throughout their service areas statewide to positively impact the overall quality of life where their employees and neighbors live and work. Their partnership with The Salvation Army this holiday season ensures that those in need in the community will not have to worry on Christmas Day.

“At New Jersey American Water, we believe it’s important to not just be a member of the business community; it’s important for us to be part of the community,” said Denise Venuti Free, Senior Director of Communications and External Affairs. “That is why we support neighborhood organizations like The Salvation Army through this toy drive and other initiatives that help improve the quality of life for our customers and the communities we serve.”

The Salvation Army New Jersey Division anticipates needing nearly 150,000 toys for children this Christmas season. To support The Salvation Army’s Angel Tree program, or to find other ways to get involved, please visit www.SalvationArmyNJ.org/holidaygiving. Every donation provides help and hope to those in need, and all gifts stay within the community in which they are given.

The Salvation Army annually helps more than 30 million Americans overcome poverty, addiction, and economic hardships through a range of social services. By providing food for the hungry, emergency relief for disaster survivors, rehabilitation for those suffering from drug and alcohol abuse, and clothing and shelter for people in need, The Salvation Army is doing the most good at over 7,000 centers of operation around the country. In 2021, The Salvation Army was ranked No. 2 on the list of “America’s Favorite Charities” by The Chronicle of Philanthropy.

New Jersey American Water, a subsidiary of American Water (NYSE: AWK), is the largest investor-owned water utility in the state, providing high-quality and reliable water and/or wastewater services to approximately 2.8 million people.