RISMEDIA, (Nov. 6, 2008) - Diane Turton, Realtors will sponsor the Turton Giving Tree project for the fourth year in a row. Starting in early November and continuing through December 10, neighbors in communities around Monmouth and Ocean counties can contribute unwrapped toys, gifts, new clothing, sports gear and stuffed animals for those in need locally and beyond. Last year the campaign brought in over 1,300 gifts.
This year, the residential real estate firm has partnered with three charities, the Salvation Army of Ocean County and Family and Children’s Service in Monmouth County. And, for the first time in campaign history, Diane Turton, Realtors will extend their annual Giving Tree project internationally into war-torn lands through Bridges of Peace.
The Salvation Army grants wishes to local children and teens that may otherwise go without gifts. For 98 years, Family and Children’s Service has been reaching out and assisting poor working families in Monmouth County both during the holidays and throughout the year. Sayreville-based Bridges of Peace created the nationally-known “Help a Child Through a Soldier” drive which collects toys and ships them to our servicemen in the mid-east who distribute them to children adversely affected by war.
“We our joining with our friends and neighbors to bring holiday joy to children in households facing tough times,” said Diane Turton, the real estate firm’s owner and broker of record. “And we are also helping members of the United States Military give children, who are victims of war and poverty, stuffed toys hand-delivered by our servicemen to aid in the establishment of peace in the Middle East.”
Gifts collected by Diane Turton, Realtors agents, executives and the public are based on wishes gathered by The Salvation Army and Family and Children’s Service and the needs of Bridges of Peace. Items called for are represented by ornaments which hang from Turton Giving Trees in each of Diane Turton, Realtors’ 18 locations. Just before the holidays, gift contributions will be provided to the beneficiaries for distribution.
Captain Lorie Travaglino of The Salvation Army said, “We are so grateful to Diane Turton, Realtors and Diane for having a vision of concern for those in our own community who find themselves in great need. We feel so honored that Diane Turton continues to support our work which includes distributing over 7000 toys to deserving children during the holidays.”
According to the company, Diane Turton, Realtors and their beneficiaries recognize that charitable outreach can be a challenge during a time of economic downturn.
“Our view is that anything you can do for these children will make a difference in their lives,” said Linda Steele, director of development for Family and Children’s Service.
“We are honored and thrilled that Diane Turton, Realtors is taking on this mission to assist children who have suffered through a war and have so little,” said Diane Eleftheriades, founder and president of Bridges of Peace. “Soldiers have sent us the message that they feel like Santa Claus when they share the gifts with Iraqi and Afghani children.”
Bridges of Peace started assisting soldiers who aid children in war torn regions during 2004. This year they will hold their first annual “Jersey Shore Jam” benefit concert on Sunday, November 23. The Concert will be held at The Headliner Club, 21 and over, in Neptune from 3 p.m. to 8 p.m. Artists signed to date for the concert include Gary US Bonds, Bob Burger, Jody Joseph & The Average Joes, Boccigalupe and the Bad Boys, The Intentions and more. Tickets are $25 in advance and can be purchased online at http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/45515. Concert goers are invited to bring a stuffed toy for the “Help a Child Through a Soldier” drive.
In each of Diane Turton, Realtors’ 18 locations, which stretch from Rumson to Beach Haven, there will be Turton Giving Tree. Diane Turton invites all those interested in contributing into their local office to pick an ornament from the tree, purchase an item and affix the ornament to the unwrapped gift. Bring the unwrapped gift to the local sales office and place it under the tree.