NEWARK, N.J., December 21, 2011 – The Ironbound Business Improvement District (IBID) Newark Police Department, Investors Bank, Ironbound Community Corporation (ICC), the Quest Youth Group of Our Lady of Fatima Church, Holy Trinity Epiphany Church and Rainbow Land Learning Centers in Newark extend their thanks to members of the Ironbound community who contributed so generously to the annual Holiday Coat & Toy Drive.

Detective Michael Silva of the Newark Police Department, who coordinated the effort with Bonnie Hagen of the IBID, noted donations have continued to grow each year, reflecting both the good will of the Ironbound’s residents and business owners and the continued financial problems faced by so many families during tough economic times. The new toys and new and good quality used coats collected for children ranging in age from infants to 18 years old were distributed at the Ironbound Community Center on New York Avenue to help make the holidays brighter for families in need.

“The business and restaurant owners of the Ironbound District are pleased to once again show our support and join with our community partners to make this year’s Holiday Coat & Toy Drive a success,” said Seth A. Grossman, IBID Executive Director.

"We are pleased to partner again this year with the IBID and the Newark Police Department on behalf of children and families in need, added Joseph Della Fave, ICC Executive Director. “It truly represents how our community comes together to work for the community.”

Coming together at the Ironbound Community Center to check out the coats and toys collected were FRONT ROW: (left to right) Scarlett Nies, Gabriel Gomez, Maria Eduarda and Joel Fernandez BACK ROW: (left to right) Natalie Martins, Rainbow Land II, Joseph Della Fave, ICC, Cristina Pereira, Rainbow Land I, Rita Calvopina, ICC, Bonnie Hagen, IBID, Yudit Machado, ICC, and Chris Bernardo, Commercial District Services.