For the 17th year, the Richard A. Zuber Realty organization delivered hundreds of toys collected at the organization’s Boyertown and Royersford locations via the Zuber bus to Boyertown’s Salvation Army. Captain Joseph Smith, Corps Officer and Pastor, was on hand to collect the toys that will be distributed to children through the Angel Tree program. Agent Brian Gilbert coordinated the project with the help of fellow agents and staff.
“There are always tears, countless thanks, and blessings from the moms and dads who are now able to bring smiles to their children on Christmas morning,” shares Smith who has served the Boyertown corps for eight years and witnesses the joy and relief first-hand.
Through social media and past practice, businesses, individuals, schools, and social organizations know the Angel Tree has tags with children’s wishes to fill. This year over 300 tags went out; 200 children will benefit from this annual effort.
“People know about our Angel Tree and give every year. One family in Oley took 60 tags this year,” exclaims Smith. “Businesses like Wal-mart will traditionally take 50-60 tags. There are trees placed in a variety of locations, and folks know to take tags to fill the children’s dreams.”
“We are grateful for the efforts of Zuber Realty in collecting toys for low-income families and for the generosity and compassion demonstrated through this effort,” Smith continues. “It’s always heart-warming to know our communities care.”
“The Zuber Realty gifts allow us in some cases to ‘supplement’ a tag donation that may have one major toy attached. We can then add another toy or two to enhance the child’s gift,” he explains.
“The opportunity to help children, the chance to meet members of their communities, and be surrounded daily with evidence of compassion and caring for others make this annual commitment an ‘automatic go,’” says owner, Richard Zuber.
The Boyertown food pantry is another way that the community serves through the Salvation Army. Smith notes that the pantry is currently serving 180 families each week and offering between 500-800 meals per week. Food drives at schools help to fill the pantry shelves. Recently, he shares that West Middle School provided 1800 cans of food.
“When times are tough, the Boyertown community is especially generous and giving. We feel blessed to be in a position to assist folks who are struggling,” notes Zuber. “The mission of the Zuber Realty organization is, ‘We Work for You!’ and making sure that children have smiles on their faces on Christmas morning is a special way we work for them!” he concludes.
