Many families in our city are facing several obstacles, two of them being at the forefront – financial and food insecurity. Thankfully, this Christmas, New Destiny was able to step in through strategic partnerships to provide families with concrete services. Through an amazing partnership with Several Sources Shelters, Amerigroup Insurance, a local restaurant owner, and our very own City of Paterson’s Housing Authority at The Heritage Alexander Hamilton where we were able to host December’s event, “The Gift of Giving.” Forty families and ninety children were served. December is a time to be joyful, sit back, and meditate on the beautiful gift of family. We aimed for this very goal and achieved it! Our New Destiny staff received plenty of warm thanks from parents for taking the time and effort to host this event. At the time of the event, one family of a single parent household with four kids was beyond grateful, as they were under the risk of a home eviction and Mom had just undergone a surgical procedure to her arm. Moreover, her children were facing several challenges as well. Mom thanked our Family Partners for allowing her to provide for her children, as she was not able to because of her situation. Most of the families receiving gifts at the event were not able to provide for their families this Christmas season, but New Destiny FSC and its partners made it possible. All families went home with their hands full of wrapped toys for their children, individual family meals on the go, holiday family photos, key health information and resources. Thanks to our partnerships, and their donations for this event, the staff that went above and beyond to make it a special night for all, and the volunteers that said “yes” to bringing smiles to those that were hopeless, this event was a wonderful holiday memory that will remain in their hearts forever.