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Union County Holiday Toy Drive 🎄
The Union County Board of County Commissioners is once again collecting toys to bring holiday cheer to those who need it most. From now until December 23rd, there will be collection bins at select locations throughout the county, as well as the option to ship directly to 10 Elizabethtown Plaza, Elizabeth NJ 07207 for those who want to order from our Target and Amazon wish lists.
For more information, please visit https://ucnj.org/toy-drive-list or contact Samantha at samantha.perez@ucnj.org
Initial Drop-Off Locations (more to be added):
ELIZABETH
Union County Administration, 10 Elizabethtown Plz
Union County Courthouse, 2 Broad St
Union County Prosecutor’s Office, 32 Rahway Ave
ROSELLE
Warinanco Sports Center, 1 Park Dr
WESTFIELD
Colleen Fraser Building (Union County Passport Building), 300 North Ave E
Froelich Public Safety Building, 400 North Ave E
SCOTCH PLAINS
Union County Engineering Building, 2325 South Ave
Join us for a Virtual Community Meeting to learn more about high-crash locations in Union County and the City of Elizabeth, as well as recommended design solutions, policies, and operational strategies to enhance safety.
Únete a nuestra Reunión Comunitaria Virtual para hablar sobre los lugares con mayor número de accidentes en el Condado de Union y la Ciudad de Elizabeth, y comparte tus comentarios sobre las soluciones de diseño, políticas y estrategias operativas recomendadas para mejorar la seguridad.
**Updated 11/20/25: Due to overwhelming demand, the line has been closed.
From our Union County family to yours, we wish you a Happy Thanksgiving!
Union County residents who are active SNAP recipients or federal employees are eligible to participate in an Emergency Food Distribution on Thursday, November 20 at 12:00 PM at the Warinanco Sports Center (1 Park Drive, Roselle).
Residents should walk up to the Sports Center parking lot to take part in the event.
Food packages will include shelf-stable items, fresh produce, and essential ingredients to support families during the coming weeks.
Supplies are limited and will be distributed on a first-come, first-served basis.
Please bring:
✔️ Families First (EBT) card or federal employee ID
✔️ A valid government-issued photo ID
✔️ Proof of Union County residency
This event is supported through the generosity of residents contributing to the County’s Stock the Shelves Food Drive, along with key partners: Amazon, the Community FoodBank of New Jersey, RWJ Barnabas Health, and Village Super Market (operators of ShopRite stores in Watchung, Union, Elizabeth, and Garwood).
For more information on County services and upcoming programs, visit ucnj.org.
Distribución de Alimentos de Emergencia
Los residentes del condado de Union que reciben SNAP activamente o empleados federales son elegibles para participar en una Distribución de Alimentos de Emergencia el jueves, 20 de noviembre a las 12:00 p.m. en el Warinanco Sports Center (1 Park Drive, Roselle).
Los residentes deben caminar hasta el estacionamiento del Sports Center para participar en el evento.
Los paquetes de alimentos incluirán artículos no perecederos, productos frescos y ingredientes esenciales para apoyar a las familias durante las próximas semanas.
Los suministros son limitados y se distribuirán por orden de llegada.
Por favor traiga:
✔️ Tarjeta Families First (EBT) o identificación de empleado federal
✔️ Una identificación válida con foto emitida por el gobierno
✔️ Prueba de residencia en el Condado de Union
Este evento cuenta con el apoyo de la generosidad de los residentes que contribuyen a la campaña Stock the Shelves Food Drive del Condado, junto con socios clave: Amazon, Community FoodBank of New Jersey, RWJ Barnabas Health y Village Super Market (operadores de las tiendas ShopRite en Watchung, Union, Elizabeth y Garwood).
Para obtener más información sobre los servicios del Condado y los próximos programas, visite ucnj.org.
Distribisyon Ijans Manje
Rezidan Konte Union ki resevwa SNAP aktivman oswa anplwaye federal yo elijib pou patisipe nan yon Distribisyon Ijans Manje jedi 20 novanm a 12:00 p.m. nan Warinanco Sports Center (1 Park Drive, Roselle).
Rezidan yo dwe vini a pye nan pakin Sports Center la pou patisipe nan evènman an.
Pake manje yo ap gen ladan pwodwi ki pa gate fasil, pwodui fre, ak engredyan esansyèl pou sipòte fanmi yo pandan semèn k ap vini yo.
Pwovizyon yo limite epi y ap distribye selon lòd arive.
Tanpri pote:
✔️ Kat Families First (EBT) oswa ID anplwaye federal
✔️ Yon kat idantite ak foto ki valab, bay pa gouvènman an
✔️ Prèv rezidans nan Konte Union
Evènman sa a sipòte gras ak jenewozite rezidan yo ki kontribye nan Stock the Shelves Food Drive Konte a, ansanm ak patnè kle yo: Amazon, Community FoodBank of New Jersey, RWJ Barnabas Health, ak Village Super Market (ki opere magazen ShopRite nan Watchung, Union, Elizabeth, ak Garwood).
Pou plis enfòmasyon sou sèvis Konte a ak pwogram kap vini yo, vizite ucnj.org.
In a heartfelt celebration of love and family, the Union County Surrogate’s Court hosted a special ceremony to honor three new “forever families” on Thursday, November 13, 2025, at the historic Union County Courthouse in Elizabeth. The event was held in anticipation of National Adoption Day, which will be celebrated nationwide on Saturday, November 22nd.
“Adoption Day stands as one of the most significant and rewarding occasions observed by the Surrogate’s Court,”said Union County Surrogate Christopher Hudak. “It is a profound privilege to witness the formation of new families and the beginning of new chapters built on love, stability, and hope. I extend my deepest gratitude to the adoptive parents, our dedicated court staff, and our partner agencies whose collective efforts make these life-changing moments possible.”
This year’s ceremony included three families who finalized adoptions prior to the event. The families then celebrated their new beginnings alongside their loved ones, government officials, community partners, and families who adopted earlier this year. All adoptions completed on November 13th were facilitated in partnership with the New Jersey Division of Child Protection and Permanency (DCP&P).
“The joy and happiness that filled the courtroom transformed the courthouse into a hopeful place. It was an honor to witness the beginning of a new life for these families,” said Union County Commissioner Chairwoman Lourdes M. Leon. “Adoption represents a chance at a better life for children within the foster care system. The extraordinary individuals we celebrated exemplify what every child in America deserves: a loving family, a warm home, and a stable and supportive environment. You serve as an inspiration to us all. I would also like to thank Surrogate Hudak, his dedicated team, and our partners for their tireless efforts in facilitating the formation of these ‘forever families’.”
National Adoption Day was established in 2000 by a coalition that includes the Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption, the Congressional Coalition on Adoption Institute, the Alliance for Children’s Rights, the Children’s Action Network, and the Freddie Mac Foundation to raise national awareness about the needs of foster children and encourage communities to work with court officials in efforts to find them a “forever home.”
This year marks the 17th Annual Adoption Day celebration in Union County. So far in 2025, the Union County Surrogate has successfully finalized 62 adoptions.
The Surrogate’s Court partnered with CASA of Passaic and Union Counties, the New Jersey Division of Child Protection & Permanency, The Superior Court of NJ, and the Union County Sheriff’s Office to commemorate the day. Special contributions of decorative artwork from Elizabeth Public Schools, and a musical performance by Thomas Jefferson Arts Academy Choir, as well as various donations from David Brearly Middle High School’s “Bears That Care” program in Kenilworth will add a heartfelt and vibrant touch to the celebration.
For information on adopting in New Jersey, contact the New Jersey Department of Child Protection and Permanency. An application can be filled out through Foster and Adoptive Family Services on the DCP&P website, by calling 1-800-222-0047 or emailing askdcf@dcf.state.nj.us. Please contact the Union County Surrogate’s Office at 908-527-4280 to inquire about court filing requirements.
Categories
Update Regarding SNAP Benefits
New Jersey issued full November 2025 Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits to eligible households on the morning of Friday, November 7, following a federal court ruling.
SNAP recipients are encouraged to check their Families First EBT cards at NJFamiliesFirst.com or by calling (800) 997-3333 to confirm their balances and use their benefits as needed.
SNAP benefits loaded on your Families First EBT card prior to Oct. 31 remain available for use as well.
New Jersey continues to monitor developments and will continue to provide updates at NJSNAP.gov as needed. Additional assistance for SNAP households during the ongoing federal shutdown is available at NJ.gov/SNAPshutdown.
Under the terms of the Open Public Meetings Act P.L. 1975, C. 231, and pursuant to requirements of N.J.S.A 10: 4-10, please be advised that circumstances necessitate amending the 2025 Meeting Schedule of the Union County Board of County Commissioners.
As such, the Union County Board of County Commissioners is advising the public, in accordance with the law, the cancellation of both the Agenda Setting Session and the Regular Meeting of Thursday, November 13, 2025. The aforementioned meetings will not be rescheduled.
Submission Date: November 7, 2025
James E. Pellettiere,
Clerk of the Board
Reminder for SNAP recipients who have a Protective Payee (Seniors & Individuals with Disabilities):
Thursday, November 6th and tomorrow, Friday, November 7th, are the final days to access this assistance, as the program is not scheduled to continue beyond this week.
Because November SNAP benefits were delayed at the federal level, Union County has been providing temporary financial assistance this week to help bridge the gap. We encourage anyone who still needs support while November benefits finish processing to come in.
7:30 AM – 5:00 PM
Union County Administration Building – 10 Elizabethtown Plaza, Elizabeth
Assemblyman Gerald Green Plaza – 200 West 2nd Street, Plainfield
The Protective Payee must bring:
• Two forms of ID
• The Families First (EBT) card associated with the case
• The SNAP case number
Visit https://ucnj.org/dhs/bridge/ for more information about this program.
Union County is sharing this reminder to help ensure that any resident who may need this support is aware of the temporary program — please share.
Reminder for Union County SNAP Recipients:
Thursday, November 6th and Friday, November 7th, are the final days to access this assistance, as the program is not scheduled to continue beyond this week.
Due to the federal delay in November SNAP processing, temporary financial support has been available this week to help bridge the gap. We encourage anyone who still needs support while November benefits finish processing to come in.
7:30 AM – 5:00 PM
Union County Administration Building – 10 Elizabethtown Plaza, Elizabeth
Assemblyman Gerald Green Plaza – 200 West 2nd Street, Plainfield
To receive assistance, you must bring:
• Families First (EBT) card
• SNAP case number
• Valid photo ID
• Must be the Head of Household listed on the case
Visit https://ucnj.org/dhs/bridge/ for more information about this program.
Union County is sharing this reminder to help ensure that any resident who may need this support is aware of the temporary program — please share
The Union County Board of County Commissioners, along with the Union County Department of Parks and Recreation, invite all county residents to ring in the holiday season on the ice rink with Santa Claus at “Celebrate the Season,” Union County’s annual celebration at Warinanco Sports Center on Sunday, December 7th.
“Celebrate the Season is a winter staple in Union County, and it continues to bring holiday cheer to our residents year after year,” said Union County Commissioner Chairwoman Lourdes M. Leon. “No December is complete without a day filled with ice skating, hot chocolate and a visit from Santa. Traditions like these keep Union County filled with holiday magic for all ages.”
This year’s Celebrate the Season will be taking place in three sessions within the hours of 11:00am to 6:30pm:
Session 1
11:00am – 1:00 pm
Session 2
1:45 pm – 3:45 pm
Session 3
4:30 pm – 6:30 pm
Admission is $8.00 per person and includes entry for a two–hour session, one (1) skate rental, along with hot chocolate and cookies. Tickets must be purchased in advance at www.warinancopark.com and will not be available at the door. Everyone entering the building must have a ticket, whether or not they skate. Children under 2 years of age are free. Space is limited to 275 people.
The Warinanco Sports Center is located in Warinanco Park, 1 Park Drive in Roselle, off St. Georges Avenue. For more information about this event, please visit warinancopark.com or call 908-298-7850.
To learn more about the Union County Department of Parks and Recreation and its programs, please visit www.ucnj.org/parks-recreation. To stay informed about County events, services, and offerings, download the free Explore Union County mobile app.