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Santa’s helpers deliver post-Christmas gifts to the Children’s Home of Reading

Residents and clients of the Children’s Home of Reading got a surprise after-Christmas visit last week from two of Santa’s helpers.

Justin R. Hoffmann Sr. and friend Jon Gomez, both of Reading, stopped by the facility, 1010 Centre Ave., to unload an SUV so packed with gifts some had to be tied to its roof.

It was the second year, Hoffmann and his helpers teamed with area small businesses to collect new toys, books, gift cards and more for those served by the agency that offers mental and behavioral health and education services for at-risk children, youth and their families.

Hoffmann’s gift drive was one of several organized by area businesses and individuals to benefit children at the home, said Jill Troutman, Children’s Home vice president of advancement, marketing and communication.

The holidays can be a sad and lonely time, especially for children in the foster care system, Hoffmann said.

Justin R. Hoffmann Sr. and Jon Gomez unload an SUV packed with gifts for children and teens served by the Children's Home of Reading.Courtesy of Justin R. Hoffmann Sr.
Justin R. Hoffmann Sr. and Jon Gomez unload an SUV packed with gifts for children and teens served by the Children’s Home of Reading. (Courtesy of Justin R. Hoffmann Sr.)

Popular images of large and loving family gatherings, tables laden with traditional feasts and mountains of gifts under brilliantly decorated trees are not the reality for most of these children.

That’s why Hoffmann wanted to do something to brighten their lives, even if just a little bit.

But his effort also had the secondary purpose of helping to promote area small businesses by partnering with them, Hoffman said.

In addition to his employer US Anodize of Bern Township, this year’s partners included Reading Distilling Guild, 503 Penn St.; Auntie Peachie’s Sweets & Celtic Treats, 1518 Elizabeth Ave., Laureldale; and Frank’s Pizza, 2550 Perkiomen Ave., Mount Penn.

Donors selected tags printed with a child’s first name, age and Christmas wish, and dropped off new toys and other gifts at any of the partner locations.

“Not only am I trying to support the children,” Hoffmann said, “I’m trying to get people out to these locations that are mom-and-pop shops in the community and see what they offer.”

He hopes to grow the annual drive next year to include more local small businesses and give even more children a brighter holiday season.

Hoffmann plans another change, too.

Going forward, the collection will be known as the Stephen E. Hoffman Memorial Gift Drive, named in memory of Justin’s late uncle, who died unexpectedly at age 54 in 2015.

“My uncle was a great man,” Justin said. “He was definitely a big influence on me. He always stood by me even when I was messing up. He always helped me and made a difference in my life.”

Stephen Hoffman of Pottsville was a Reading native and graduate of the former Central Catholic High School and Kutztown University.

He served three years in the Peace Corps, stationed in the Philippines at the Bacolad City Boys Home.

A certified counselor, Stephen was employed by Access Services, a behavioral health agency, serving 14 counties, including Berks, and was founder and director of the agency’s Rebound Program, a teen mentoring and counseling service.

“His legacy of helping children and love of doing so should live on,” Justin said.


Source: Berkshire mont

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