Mayor Ras J. Baraka and Deputy Mayor of Community Engagement Jacqueline Quiles-Mercado today announced that the City of Newark is partnering with United Community Corporation (UCC) to host the fourth annual “Shop with a Hero” event at the Prudential Center at 25 Lafayette Street on Sunday, December 15. Media are asked to arrive at 9 a.m.for setup and interviews. The program begins at 10:30 a.m.
During the event, local heroes, including first responders and community leaders, will walk hand-in-hand with 250 pre-selected local school children for a day of holiday shopping and festive activities. The youth and heroes will meet at the Prudential Center, embark on their $100 shopping spree in downtown Newark, return to the center with their purchases, and enjoy music by DJ R.A. Rob Alvarez, treats, and festivities.
“This annual event is much more than an act of charity for the City and our many generous partners,” said Mayor Baraka. “It is concrete affirmation that these children and their families are cherished by our community and belong here with us. It is also an important opportunity to form a trusting relationship with public safety professionals and other employees, trained to offer help when it is needed. I am grateful to the sponsors and volunteers who have committed themselves to creating happy memories and a sense of value and inclusion that could last a lifetime.”
“This important event would not be possible without the support of many diverse partners from the private, public, and non-profit sectors,” said Deputy Mayor Quiles-Mercado. “Their efforts show the true spirit of both Newark and this holiday season. I thank them for their hard work.”
Shop with a Hero fosters positive relationships between local heroes and the youth while bringing the spirit of giving to Newark during the holiday season. Through this event, UCC, and the City of Newark aim to create lasting memories for both the heroes and the children involved.
“Through ‘Shop with a Hero,’ we want to bring hope and joy to our community, especially to children, during the holidays. This event goes beyond providing gifts; it creates moments of connection and shows our youth that they are supported and valued,” said UCC Executive Director Craig Mainor. “It’s about making a meaningful impact that resonates far beyond the holiday season.”
This year’s Shop with a Hero was made possible by partners and supporters: Wellpoint; Devils Youth Foundation; Church of Latter-Day Saints; RWJBarnabas Health; McKinsey & Company; Peapack-Gladstone Bank; City of Newark; Deputy Mayor Mercado-Quiles; Newark Council President C. Lawrence Crump; Council Member-At-Large Carlos M. Gonzalez; 7TH & Madison Extensions of Empowerment; and 7TH & Madison Cares.
“All heroes don’t wear capes,” said Council President Crump. “The City of Newark is very fortunate to have organizations like United Community Corporation that spread joy and love to the youth in our community. Congratulations and thank you to all of the sponsors, first responders, educators, community leaders and other heroes that will help the children shop for the holidays.”
"UCC’s Shop with a Hero program is a shining example of the strength of community spirit during the holiday season,” said Council Member-At-Large Gonzales. “Supporting this initiative was an easy decision because it ensures that hundreds of local children experience joy, hope, and care during this special time of year. Programs like these not only make a meaningful difference in the lives of families, but also build lasting connections between our community and the heroes who serve it."
UCC is still seeking additional sponsors and heroes for “Shop with a Hero.” To get involved, contact UCC Director of Community Engagement Alena Minatee at alena.minatee@uccnewark.org or via phone at 973-642-0181 (Ext. 5445). To support Shop with a Hero, click here.