Burlington Township has a lot on tap this year for the holidays
Stephen Finn
The Sun
Burlington Township knows the true meaning of the holiday season. Around this time, there are always numerous opportunities to give to people in need, and this year is no different. Not only will there be plenty of fun family events to get you in the spirit of the season, but you will have a chance to make sure those less fortunate can have a holiday as well.
Tree Lighting and Toy Drive
Don’t miss this year’s tree lighting on Dec. 6. Santa certainly isn’t. Mr. Claus will be attending Burlington Township’s annual tree lighting riding atop a fire truck adorned in bright Christmas lights. The event begins at 7 p.m. and will take place at Green Acres Park behind the Municipal Building at 851 Old York Road.
The event is sponsored by the Burlington Township Heritage Commission. Eileen Liss is a chairperson for the commission and has been hard at work helping to organize the annual ceremony.
“We’ve always done the tree lighting as a kickoff to the holiday season, it involves all of the elementary schools, it’s a really nice event,” said Liss. “It’s something for the whole township that gets everyone in the holiday spirit.”
There will be holiday musical performances by Burlington Township High School’s jazz band as well as children’s choir performances by students from Fountain Woods and Bernice Young elementary schools, creating a merry atmosphere throughout the event.
There will be a toy collection as well, and attendees are encouraged to bring donations for children up to 18 years of age. There will be a pickup truck parked by the snack shack where the toys can be dropped off. Last year, through the toy drive, the township ensured 75 local children had a gift for Christmas.
“Our goal is that every kid has a smile on their face, everyone deserves to have a good holiday,” said Liss.
Peak Center Autism Friendly Holiday Event
The Peak Center for Autism is continuing its mission of inclusion this holiday season and holding its third annual autism friendly holiday event Dec. 16 in the Burlington Township High School Hopkins Cafeteria. The school is located at 610 Fountain Ave.
“It’s a family friendly, all-inclusive event and a judgment-free zone” said Executive Director Tatianna Peak-Gregg. “We try to provide an opportunity they might not otherwise have.”
The free event will run from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. and will include pictures with Santa, live student performances, a sensory area, allergen friendly refreshments and crafts. Each child attending will also receive a small gift from Santa.
Race for the Hungry Holiday 5K
The Burlington Township Food Pantry is providing another opportunity for giving with its annual holiday 5K. The race acts not only as a fundraiser for the pantry, but as a food drive as well. Attendees are encouraged to bring non-perishable food items to donate.
Race for the Hungry will take place at Green Acres Park on Old York Road on Dec. 1 at 9:30 a.m. This year, the panty is bringing back the Fun Run portion, consisting of one loop around the park, to encourage family participation. There will also be music, snacks and a visit from Santa for the kids.
The course is USA Track and Field certified and runners of all experience levels are invited to join. Although online registration for the race on btfoodpantry.org closes after Nov. 28, runners have another opportunity to register in person Nov. 30 at the Burlington Township Municipal Building from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Registration is $20 for adults and $5 for the kids fun run.
“It’s a great community event, people come not only from Burlington but from all over the state,” said food pantry president Miklos Foltiny. “It’s an opportunity for the community to get together and help people in need.”
Burlington County Library Holiday Events
The Burlington County Library is hosting a variety of holiday themed events and activities throughout December.
On Dec. 2, Sharim v’Sharot (“People of Song”) will host its fourth annual Choral Festival at 2 p.m. in the library’s auditorium. Music Director Dr. Elayne R. Grossman will lead her choir and the audience in Chanukah songs to celebrate the holiday’s first night. The event is free and open to the public.
For a more kid-centered musical event, check out the library’s free Holiday Sing-Along Concert with Ginger Coyle on Dec. 5 at 10:30 a.m. in the Youth Services Department. The event is best for kids ages 2 to 6 but the whole family is invited to join the fun. Local singer songwriter Ginger Coyle will perform an interactive morning concert that will have everyone singing and dancing.
On Friday, Dec. 7, you can get an early start on your Christmas gifts at the annual Gift Making Extravaganza from 6 to 8 p.m. There will be several stations set up for both kids and adults where they can make a DIY holiday gift. No registration is required, however some supplies may be limited so get there early.
For more holiday activities check the library’s event calendar at www.bcls.lib.nj.us.
