Santa joins Hooked on Ventnor volunteer relief

Written by SHAUN SMITH Thursday, December 20, 2012 01:00 am

Santa Claus will spread his jolly Christmas spirit during a toy distribution 2-4 p.m. Saturday at the Communit yBuilding at the Ventnor Library and Cultura lArt Center, 6500 Atlantic Ave.

According to Mike Advena, the coordinator of Hooked on Ventnor and its volunteer relief outreach, about 1,500 toys for children from toddlers to teenagers were donated by locals groups and organizations from outside New Jersey. Money was also donated.

Advena said the distribution is only open to residents of Ventnor, Margate and Longport, and proof of residency is required.

He said that organizing the toys has been an uplifting experience for the volunteers who are trying to bring a sense of normalcy to those who endured damage from Hurricane Sandy.

“This is a very positive thing with smiles and children,” Advena said Wednesday, Dec. 19. “This is very uplifting.”