Stop & Shop helps bring holiday cheer to needy families

A supermarket chain is partnering with a nonprofit to donate hundreds of gifts to families in need this holiday season.
More than 300 store managers from 20 different Stop & Shop locations helped with Operation Sleigh Bells, a program run by Family and Children's Services in Monmouth County.
"It's nice to know that we can provide to them something because maybe they won't have these gifts on Christmas morning if it wasn't for us," says Nicole Burke, of Howell. "The associates take it really seriously so we make sure we can give them whatever we possibly can."
Mothers like Aleece Harris, who lost her job, are grateful that her son will have a present under the tree this year. She even hopes to give back next year.
“I can't wait to be able to get myself together to help others and hopefully be able to donate next year," Harris says.
The gifts will be stored at Monmouth Park Racetrack and handed out to nearly 1,500 children in time for the holiday.