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At Mount Carmel Guild, Christmas is more than a season - it’s an opportunity to share joy, generosity, and the warmth of community with those we serve. This year’s Christmas Toy Shop was a shining example of what can be accomplished when hearts and hands come together for a common purpose. Between December 8-18, our supporters showered us with donations of new toys, candy treats, gift bags, and wrapping paper. When our distribution began on December 16, our shelves were brimming with treasures for children aged 2-12 years old.
From parents and grandparents selecting thoughtful gifts inside our ‘toy-store,’ to the dazzling display of gifts on our corridors, this year’s Christmas Toy-Shop by the Guild was nothing short of magical.
Through the generosity of our donors and volunteers, we assisted 381 families.
The Guild’s annual Christmas Toy Drive and Toy Shop are long-standing traditions rooted in our mission to provide more than just basic necessities.
We believe in assuring the dignity of our care receivers by offering opportunities to celebrate the joy and festivity of each holiday season. Annually, this initiative spreads smiles and strengthens the bonds of our community.
As Executive Director of Mount Carmel Guild Mary Inkrot shared, “This exercise is truly a testament to the power of community. Seeing the overwhelming support from our donors and volunteers fills my heart with gratitude.”
In continuing, she said “It’s so pleasing to know that these toys will bring much joy to children and families who look forward to experiencing the joys of Christmas each year. To everyone who contributed, whether through gifts, time, or effort, thank you for making this possible.”
A Week of Love and Generosity
The distribution of toys, which took place between December 16-23, transformed the Guild House into a Christmas wonderland of giving. Parents and grandparents patronized shelves of thoughtfully organized toys - ranging from building blocks and dolls to skateboards, bicycles, cars, and trucks - carefully selecting gifts their children would cherish. The Guild’s very dedicated volunteers would also search through back-stock to help parents with special requests.
On the final day of distribution, the team braved the winter chill to serve families outdoors. A vibrant display of toys stretched across the Guild’s corridors, symbolizing the abundance of kindness that made this year’s event a success.
One care receiver, a grandmother named Marsha, shared “This means everything to me and my grandchildren. I wouldn’t have been able to give them gifts this year without the Guild. Thank you for bringing happiness into our home.”
Another parent, James, echoed her sentiments: “The joy on my children’s faces when they see these gifts will be priceless. Thank you to everyone who made this possible.”
Generous Community Supporters
The success of the Guild’s Toy Shop is owed to the unwavering support of community. The Guild wishes to extend heartfelt gratitude to the following organizations for their donation of toys and other special supplies:- St. Paul Parish - The Catholic Community of Princeton - Jesse Tree
- Notre Dame High School
- Sacred Heart Parish
- Church of St. Ann
- Incarnation-St. James
- St. James, Pennington
- St. Alphonsus
- Mary Mother of the Church Parish
- St. Joan of Arc
- Carpenters Local 254
- Church of St. Gregory the Great
- Dec. 9: Gift Bags from Nancy and Diane
- Dec. 10: Oranges (funded by a grant from Princeton Area Community Foundation)
- Dec. 11: Fresh Fruit and Vegetables from the Notre Dame High School Alumni Association and Swim and Dive Team
- Dec. 12: Bath towels from The Church of St. Gregory the Great - Stars for Jesus
- Dec. 13: Cake mixes and icing from Mount Carmel Guild donors
- Dec. 16: Toiletry Bags from Johnson & Johnson Finance Team
- Dec. 17: Hoodies from The Church of St. George
- Dec. 18: Tins of coffee and cookies from The Church of St. Ann
- Dec. 20: Throw blankets from St. Paul School, Princeton
- Dec. 23: Hats, gloves, and scarves, from The Church of St. Gregory the Great - Stars for Jesus
“As we reflect on the joy shared this holiday season, we look forward to continuing our mission of service in 2025,” said Inkrot.
"Thank you to everyone who made this year’s Christmas Toy Shop and gifts for our food pantry care receivers a joy-filled success - your generosity has made a lasting impact on countless families.”
Mount Carmel Guild wishes all Mission Members, staff, volunteers care-receivers and community stakeholders a happy, healthy, and prosperous New Year. “Together, let’s continue to grow through giving.”
• Dec. 12: Bath towels from The Church of St. Gregory the Great - Stars for Jesus
