Montclair’s Ann Pollack wanted to do something to give back this holiday season.
Knowing that so many are struggling financially as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, she took it upon herself to create some joy.
Pollack began by posting in different Montclair and West Orange Facebook groups saying that she wanted to adopt a family for the holidays – an idea that would involve supporting a family’s holiday gift list. Shortly after, several people commented with their willingness to join in.
Aminah Toler of Montclair Mutual Aid saw Pollack’s posts and knew she could use her network to bring the initiative to a larger scale. She came up with a list of families she knew could use some cheering up during the holidays and got a system up and running in record time, allowing Montclair and West Orange residents to sign up to buy gifts from each family’s list or donate cash.