The YWCA Princeton’s St. Nicholas Project, celebrating its 25th year, is seeking some helpful “elves” to keep the magic of the holidays alive by providing presents to local families in the community.
The St. Nicholas Project is open to everyone, including individuals, families, community groups and local businesses. It offers opportunities for individuals to “become St. Nicholas” by choosing to sponsor a large or small family or an individual, with options available to fit any budget.
The St. Nicholas Project was founded in 2000 by Jill Jachera to help families in need in the Princeton community, many of whom are new immigrant families. The issue is close to Jachera’s heart, as her husband is an immigrant who came to the U.S. at four years old from Cuba with no money, no English-speaking skills, and one suitcase of clothes for his entire family.
“Even though he was only four, he still remembers the acts of kindness that made his family feel welcome when they started in this country. We want to pay it forward and do the same for immigrant families and those in similar situations throughout Princeton,” Jachera said.
The project also holds a personal meaning for Jachera, as it is named in memory of her nephew, Nicholas Nutile, who was killed in an automobile accident in 2001. Each year, she continues to lead the drive, encouraging businesses and individuals to join in the effort to enrich the lives of local families and as a way to strengthen the community.
Participants will be provided with a wishlist for a particular family or individual in need. Gifts should be new and unwrapped. All items must be dropped off on Tuesday, Dec. 16 between 8 a.m. and noon at the YWCA Princeton’s circular driveway in front of the building, located at 59 Paul Robeson Place.
To adopt a family as “St. Nicholas,” make a contribution, or learn more about how to get involved, contact Jill Jachera at jill.jachera@gmail.com by Nov. 24. Include name, email address and phone number when reaching out.
For those who wish to give but cannot shop, tax-deductible donations may be made directly to YWCA Princeton by indicating the gift is for the St. Nicholas Project. In addition to toys, food and clothing, contributions toward educational tuition through the YWCA Princeton’s Burke Foundation Early Childhood Center may also be made.
