Archive

Christmas Delivery Program

Our Christmas delivery program had its beginnings circa 2010 when two local families, the Laffertys and Lawlers, started their own holiday tradition of buying one gift for each child living at the Cape May Housing Authority. With Cape May Cares founding in 2018, this Christmas tradition grew even bigger and has become a mainstay of our organization.

Every year, we find sponsors to buy for some sixty children at the Housing Authority and about twenty additional children from local families in need. Come November, sponsors are distributed a handwritten “Dear Santa” letter from each child as well as the mother’s list of children’s sizes and needs. Sponsors are then asked to shop for about $150 worth of gifts and wrap the presents in time for Cape May Cares to hand-deliver them on Christmas Eve morning. Many families chose to put the gifts under the tree for Christmas morning as these are the only gifts they can offer. For other families, our morning delivery has become it’s own Christmas tradition as the children eagerly await our visit and we get the privilege of seeing their joy as they unwrap each present. Either way, this Christmas gift program is truly appreciated by each and every family.

As our outreach to families in need is growing yearly, Cape May Cares always welcomes new sponsors and donations. Last year, with your generosity, we were able to give a $50 Christmas gift card to each of the mothers. We thank you for joining us in the Christmas spirit of giving.

Playground & Pavilion

When Cape May Cares first began working with the families of the Housing Authority in 2018, one of the first questions we would ask was “how can we help make your everyday life a little better?” Almost inevitably, the mothers would answer  “could we please have a playground right here for our kids?” 

Six years later, we are very happy to report that a large playground area and beautiful pavilion have been installed on the family apartment grounds — all thanks to the dedicated help of the Cape May Housing Authority and the incredible generosity of The Fund For Cape May and its Ice Ball donors. Hard work and community spirit in action has transformed a barren lot to a lively meeting place for the children and families living at the Broad Street Court apartment complex. 

The October 29, 2024 ribbon-cutting of the playground and pavilion was a wonderful community celebration marking the tremendous success of the Playground and Pavilion Initiative.  With appreciation to all who supported this project, we pledge to effectuate more positive change for the families and seniors living at the Housing Authority in the years to come.

Technology Literacy

Cape May Cares created a dedicated technology room in the Housing Authority to help support the tutoring program. Volunteers cleaned out and painted the room, installed bookshelves, and added desks and chairs. Two computers with Internet access along with printers are available for students to use for completing their homework and school projects. In addition, this room also contains a small library and reading area for all residents to be able to borrow books and enjoy a quiet area to read.