BY HILLARY VIDERS
SPECIAL TO NORTHERN VALLEY PRESS
ENGLEWOOD, N.J. —— Santa Claus sure has been busy this holiday season! There have been numerous Santa sightings all around Bergen County, but he seems to really have a soft spot for Englewood.
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On Dec. 16, Santa stopped by the Women’s Rights Information Center on West Palisade Avenue and delighted many of the center’s clients and their children, as well as staff members. Some families had come from as far away as Garfield because they enjoy the center’s party so much.
“It’s a great place to bring my family,” said a father who had come with his seven children. “Everyone makes us feel welcome.”
The two-hour visit, organized by the Englewood Chamber of Commerce, was filled with fun, food and photos. The children took turns chatting with Santa and reciting their wish lists, while parents and grandparents snapped dozens of photos on their cell phones. Several Women’s Rights Information Center staff members joined in the gaiety, including Executive Director Lil Corcoran, who came with her mother and sister; trustee Liz Corsini, who brought her daughters Zoey and Charlotte; and Lisa Maurer, one of the center’s case workers. Englewood Chamber of Commerce President Carol Rauscher also dropped by.
The jolly old soul had lots of written requests as well, as the children wrote letters to him as part of the day’s arts and crafts program. Santa’s young admirers were also given coloring books and crayons and treated to cookies and juice.
The Santa who visits the center every year loves his work and is always touched by the joy that he brings the youngsters. “I love putting a smile on the face of each and every child.” He went on to say, “This is a place where people can feel safe and it’s upbeat and welcoming. I love the way that the clients and the excellent staff here share their support and their common purposes together.”
Maurer explained why this annual event is so meaningful to her: “I started here a year ago, and in that short time, I’ve seen our client base double and triple. Some 30-40 people walk in here every day, whether to get a warm coat, for a place to get warm or for professional counseling. We reach out to all of them. The importance of reaching out and lifting people up cannot be over emphasized, and our Santa party really lifts people up.”
Besides hosting the Santa party, another of the Women’s Rights Information Center’s holiday initiatives is the Mary Jane Sisca Holiday Drive, a toy drive in memory of a center trustee’s mother. The center has already received several donations and a generous toy donation from Fort Lee police. The second floor was filled with toys from various donors.
Sponsors for the Santa visit at the center and other holiday events organized by the Englewood Chamber of Commerce are Modiani Kitchens, Hummus Elite, Starbucks, Investors Bank, Lakeland Bank and Cupcakes by Carousel. ECC President Carol Rauscher works year round to get sponsors for Englewood’s many public events and to see that they run smoothly.
Photos by Hillary Viders