Senator Jean Stanfield and assembly members Michael Torrissi and Brandon Umba are aiming to brighten the holiday season for foster children for their District Day of Service in December.

Sen. Jean Stanfield, Asm. Michael Torrissi, and Asm. Brandon Umba are collecting candy that they will put in holiday bags to support Foster the Family’s yearly ‘Breakfast with Santa’ Christmas Party. (Pixabay)

The 8th District Legislators are collecting candy that they will put in holiday bags to support nonprofit Foster the Family’s yearly ‘Breakfast with Santa’ Christmas Party.

“Every kid deserves to have a special Christmas. Foster the Family makes sure that happens for children who are in disadvantaged and difficult situations. We’re honored to be in a situation where we can help them give back,” Stanfield said.

The legislators are asking the community for candy donations, such as candy canes, Skittles, Starbursts, M&M’s or Hershey Kisses. The nonprofit can not accept candy with nuts in it and are asking for minimal chocolate.

Donations can be dropped off or mailed to the District Office at Elmwood Business Park, Suite B101, Route 70, Evesham, NJ 08053 between 9 a.m. – 5 p.m., Monday – Friday.

“Foster the Family does such great work year-round, but really step it up during Christmas time. We can’t thank them enough for what they do for the children and prospective parents of this state,” Umba said.

The donations will be delivered to Foster the Family, where kids will be able to take them home following the Christmas Party—an event for foster families filled with activities and gifts.

Each month, Stanfield, Torrissi and Umba set aside a day to help local people within the community as part of their “District Day of Service.” In the past, the team has worked on service projects to help domestic violence victims, senior citizens, food insecurity, collecting diapers for mothers in need, raising money for youth homelessness, and more.

“We’re always looking for the next place we can help out and how we can best serve our community,” Torrissi said. “I’m excited for our district to be giving back to children in need this Christmas.”