Published January 02. 2026 05:16PM
The Northeast Neighborhood Center’s ‘Holiday Gift Distribution’ took place the week of Dec. 15 as registered clientele picked up gifts for 568 children according to executive director Paula Johnson.
Individual donors, churches, companies and organizations donated gifts that were tailored to the needs of families. Jesmira Bonoan, marketing and development coordinator, said, “it brings our donors a lot of joy to be generous.” A total of 36 entities participated.
Gift and toy ideas, clothing sizes and personal hygiene items suggestions are provided to the donors, who also wrap them for delivery to the NECC for distribution.
Additional toy donations are also accepted and kept in the ‘Santa Shop’ for those who couldn’t sign up for the program, but may stop past the facility to select a toy for each child according to Bonoan, who noted that the Bethlehem Police Department had recently dropped off a large selection of children’s toys.
Tony leaves the Northeast Community Center with gifts as Programs Coordinator Destiny Checo holds the door for her.
press photos by dana grubbMarketing and Development Coordinator Jesmira Bonoan is dwarfed by donations for the NECC’s Christmas program.
Destiny Checo hands wrapped gifts to April for her five children.
NECC staff, Programs Coordinator Jesmira Bonoan, Executive Director Paula Johnson, and Marketing Development Coordinator Destiny Checo stay on top of facilitating the Holiday Gift Distribution program.
Non-registered clientele were able to select from donated toys in the ‘Santa Shop.’
