Spreading Joy and Support: The Malcolm Jenkins Foundation’s Holiday Dinner Basket Surprise in Newark, NJ

This holiday season, The Malcolm Jenkins Foundation (TMJF) brought joy and much-needed support to the Newark community through its annual Holiday Dinner Basket Surprise. In a heartfelt initiative led by Malcolm Jenkins, author, philanthropist, and two-time Super Bowl Champion, TMJF and its partners provided 155 deserving families with not only a holiday feast, but also toys and other essentials, embodying the spirit of giving and community support.

Since its inception, the Holiday Dinner Basket Surprise has been a cornerstone of TMJF’s efforts to combat food insecurity, particularly during a time of year that can be financially stressful for many families. This year, the need was more significant than ever with rising food costs deeply affecting the community. In response, the foundation, along with its community partners and volunteers, worked tirelessly to assemble and distribute festive holiday dinner baskets filled with nutritious and festive foods.

The baskets included everything needed for a full holiday meal: turkey, stuffing, cranberry sauce, gravy, potatoes, green beans, cornbread mix, collard greens, mac-n-cheese, spaghetti, spaghetti sauce, condensed milk, chicken broth, bread, apple juice, and even an apple pie. Additionally, each basket contained utensils, plates, a roasting pan, and a holiday greeting card personally signed by Malcolm Jenkins.

This wonderful event was made possible through the generous support of Amerigroup and contributions from the Black Leadership Forum at Prudential, which organized a toy drive. Students from KIPP Newark Collegiate Academy also played a crucial role, volunteering their time to assist with the packing of the baskets. Their involvement underscored the importance of community service and the impact of youth participation in charitable activities.

Sharmaine Lewis, Founder and Student Leader at KIPP Newark, remarked on the significance of the school hosting the event for the second consecutive year, emphasizing the value of providing such opportunities for students to give back to their community.

Gwendolyn V. Jenkins, TMJF President & CEO, highlighted the ongoing challenge of food insecurity, particularly during the holiday season. She noted, "This time of year is especially hard for families. For the past 13 years, we have held this event in multiple cities of the Foundation’s footprint, as we’ve observed the rapidly growing number of people, especially children, who experience food insecurity.”

TMJF extends its gratitude to all the sponsors, partners, and volunteers, including ShopRite of Newark, Brookdale ShopRite, individual donors, and the various community partners listed at the end of this release. Their support is invaluable in making the Holiday Dinner Basket Surprise a success year after year.

As we move forward, TMJF is calling on the public to support these initiatives by making a donation. Every contribution, regardless of size, can make a significant difference in the lives of those in need. To help, please visit https://www.themalcolmjenkinsfoundation.org/donate.

This holiday season, through the combined efforts of all involved, TMJF has not only provided meals but has also strengthened the fabric of the community, ensuring that the spirit of the holidays is a reality for all, regardless of their circumstances.

Celebrating the Spirit of Giving: Malcolm Jenkins Foundation's 12th Annual Holiday Dinner Basket Surprise"

This past weekend marked a momentous occasion for the Malcolm Jenkins Foundation (TMJF) as 2x Super Bowl Champion and TMJF Founder, Malcolm Jenkins, hosted the 12th annual Holiday Dinner Basket Surprise (HDBS) in collaboration with Parkway NW High School for Peace & Social Justice. The event, a staple in TMJF's community outreach, unfolded with the support of more than 20 community partners, 30 TMJF volunteers, and the invaluable collaboration with Parkway NW.

The Holiday Dinner Basket Surprise, held on Saturday, December 17, was a testament to the spirit of giving during the festive season. Volunteers gathered to package and distribute dinner baskets filled with nourishing foods and holiday favorites, creating a memorable experience for 140 pre-identified families in need.

Malcolm Jenkins expressed the significance of extending the joy of special meals to those facing the challenges of rising food costs. "The holidays have always been special to me, as my family gathers together to share a special meal. We wanted to extend that same opportunity and experience for many who are struggling with the rising costs of food and resources by providing a nutritious meal for their family," said Jenkins.

The pressing issue of rising food prices, with a 13.1 percent increase in 2022, became an additional driving force behind TMJF's annual initiative. Gwendolyn V. Jenkins, CEO and President of TMJF, emphasized the foundation's commitment to alleviating holiday stress for vulnerable families. She expressed gratitude for the donors, volunteers, and community partners who came together to make the Holiday Dinner Basket Surprise a reality.

Generous support from Amerigroup, Eagles Charitable Foundation, Parkway Northwest High School, and ShopRite, operated by the Brown family, played a crucial role in ensuring each festive holiday dinner basket was packed with essential items. These included a turkey, stuffing, cranberry sauce, gravy, potatoes, green beans, cornbread mix, and more—creating a complete holiday feast.

Sandy Brown, EVP of Brown's Super Stores, shared the sentiment, stating, "Our family is honored to be a part of this program, especially when we can help feed families during the holiday season."

This initiative is not just about providing meals; it's about building a community. In November 2022, Malcolm and Gwendolyn V. Jenkins engaged in a town hall meeting with Parkway NW High School administrators, staff, and students to emphasize the importance of financial education. The event was a natural extension, inviting students to participate in the foundation's annual Holiday Dinner Basket Surprise.

Principal Jeff MacFarland of Parkway NW High School spoke to the broader impact of the collaboration, stating, "The partnership with the Malcolm Jenkins Foundation shows our students, families, faculty and staff, that they are important, that they are cared for, and that we are all individually better when we commit to service FOR each other. Simply put, the Malcolm Jenkins Foundation is family, and that’s what it’s all about this time of year."

As the holiday season unfolds, TMJF calls on the public for support. Every donation, regardless of size, can make a difference in combating food insecurity. Join us in spreading warmth, joy, and nourishment during this season of giving. Together, we can make a meaningful impact in the lives of those in need.