Robbinsville, NJ– Robbinsville’s Pond Road Middle School was filled with laughter and cheer as Ability Tree New Jersey hosted its annual Christmas Party. More than 200 guests and 50 volunteers from across the state created beautiful crafts, snapped festive photos in the photo booth, played games, caroled with the Lifetree Community Church choir, shared a meal from Chicken Holiday and coffee from the Robbinsville Starbucks, received gifts, played with therapy dogs from The Golden Halo Outreach, and of course spent time with the big man himself, Santa! Even Frosty the Snowman made an appearance this year! Toys for Tots and Autism NJ (with help from Amazon) generously donated hundreds of gifts!
A faith-based, community-focused, 501c3 organization, Ability Tree New Jersey envisions families impacted by disability being accepted and supported in their local community, and enjoying healthy relationships in their neighborhoods, schools, workplaces and churches. Ability Tree reaches out to families with special needs through recreation, education, support, and training (R.E.S.T.). Programs include recreation and respite nights for children with special needs and their siblings, sibling scholarships for graduating seniors, and helping community organizations and events become more accessible. For adults with disabilities, Ability Tree NJ offers their hallmark Ability Camp each summer (July 13-17, 2020) and SociAbility events throughout the year.
Robbinsville resident Dr. Natalie Schuberth, a practicing psychologist and Ability Tree New Jersey’s President, worked with a great team to organize the Christmas celebration. “The Ability Tree NJ Christmas party one of my favorite days of the year and feels like a family reunion where we can connect with old friends and make new ones,” explained Schuberth.
To participate, volunteer, or donate to Ability Tree New Jersey, visit their website at www.abilitytree.org/newjersey.
Photo credit Deborah Blakely