The Gloucester County treatment facility My Friend’s House hosted its annual toy drive on Dec. 11 at American Legion Post 452 in Mullica Hill.
The post was the site for donations of toys, coats, hats and gloves for children whose parents are in drug and alcohol treatment. The free event was open to the public between 6 and 10 p.m. and tables were decorated in the red and green of Christmas, along with decorations throughout.
“We’re just trying to support some of the families in the area, the families in the township that are struggling,” said organizer Rob LaGuarina. “It’s a tough time of the year, so we want to be able to give back and support the community that’s been giving to us for so long. We really appreciate the American Legion, who support what we’re trying to do here.”
The legion post also made the drive possible by paying for billing. LaGuarina and his wife, Carla, are a part of My Friend’s House, which specializes in helping people with mental-health and substance-buse issues and works closely with the Harrison Township Police Department.
“”My Friends House is an outreach drug-, alcohol- and substance-treatment facility in Woodbury Heights,” LaGuarina noted. “So we support the Gloucester County community. What we’re gonna do is we’re giving back to the families that are struggling with addiction, with mental health.
“This is how it’s going to help the community,” he added. “A lot of families are going through it, so we try to pick up some of the pieces that they left off at.”
Dozens of guests came out for the drive, with filled bags of toys placed in boxes set up around the post. A Christmas-themed party was also part of the event, with Santa Claus on hand for pictures. Food was provided by the Harrison House Diner.
“Constantine and his family, a wonderful family, we’ve been friends with Constantine a long time,” LaGuarina noted of the diner’s owner, “and he’s always one of the first ones to jump up and support what we’re trying to do here.”
Those struggling with addiction can call the national hotline at (800) 662-4357 for free, confidential help.
