The Tree of Hope is a non-profit organization run by several Union County Sheriff’s Officers. The Tree of Hope started in 1997 when Sheriff Officers encountered children in the courts who were going to experience a less than happy holiday season. The children were homeless or living in shelters, were victims of domestic violence or medically fragile. Their parents or guardians did not have the financial ability to provide holiday gifts. Every year since, the Tree of Hope committee has set up a tree in the Union County Superior Courthouse in Elizabeth, which features ornaments with a wish for a particular gift for each child. In addition to the tree, the organization has also established online wish lists, through Amazon and Walmart that are filled with new toys the participating children requested. Due to the generosity of Union County employees and several organizations who have donated to the program, the organization provides toys to several hundred children every holiday season.
In addition to the annual toy drive, the Tree of Hope organization has hosted several clothing drives to assist families in financial need, homeless in Union County and families who were victims to house fires.
For additional information please contact the organization at 908-629-2158 or email Sergeant Tara Halpin at thalpin@ucnj.org