The holiday season in Haddon Township always shines a little brighter when neighbors come together, and this year the light is burning for a full 24 hours. The Haddon Township Equity Initiative (HTEI) is once again hosting its beloved 24 Hour JOY-A-THON on Saturday, December 13th, 2025, from 7AM to 7AM, and The JFKLiving Team is thrilled to open our office doors as the home base for this joyful marathon of giving.
Our very own real estate Co-Team Lead and Creative Director, Pip Haxby-Thompson, serves on HTEI’s Board of Directors, so this event strikes close to the heart of our team. It’s one of the most meaningful community traditions of the year, and every hour of the JOY-A-THON directly supports families in our own backyard.
What Is the JOY-A-THON?
It’s exactly what the name promises: 24 hours filled with joy, generosity, and community connection. HTEI has partnered with Ida’s Bookshop, The JFKLiving Team brokered by Real, the Township of Haddon, and the Open Gym Initiative with one mission: Support 24 families in 24 hours—plus a whole host of local kids. Whether you join us for five minutes, a full shift, or the whole 24 hours (heroes only), every act of kindness helps spread joy to local families who need it most.
How to Participate
HTEI offers two different ways to get involved this year (and both make an enormous difference):
- Donate gifts for local families in need
- Volunteer your time, energy, or talents during the 24 hour event
1. DONATE: Fulfill Gift Requests for Local Families
HTEI is collecting items for dozens of families across Haddon Township and South Jersey, and their gift request list is updated daily through December 11th as new family needs come in.
Donation Details
All items/gifts must be new and unwrapped, and must be labeled with family initials and child info (example: Family ZZ1, 12-year-old girl). You can drop gifts/gift cards off at the JOY-A-THON at The JFKLiving Team office (45 Haddon Ave, Haddon Township).
If you can’t attend or drop off in person, you can drop your labeled gifts at the JFKLiving office Mon–Fri during business hours or leave them in the outdoor bin by December 12th. Note that gift cards marked “Additional Gift Cards for Families” do not need labeling.
If you want to send an e-gift card instead, select the item on the sign-up list, then email your card to the Township's Kate Burns at [email protected]. For supermarket gift cards, please only choose from ACME, Target, Walmart, and Costco, as those are the most accessible supermarkets for our local families.
**Donate Here**
This list includes clothing, toys, coats, family essentials, and gift cards—each item gets matched directly to a real family in our community.
2. VOLUNTEER: Be Part of the 24 Hour Joy Machine
If giving your time feels more your style, HTEI has volunteer slots available from 6AM on 12/13 through 7AM on 12/14. All are welcome, whether you can help for one hour or several. Volunteers help with:
- Event setup and breakdown
- Gift organization
- Being a “Joy Agent” (yes, this is as adorable as it sounds)
- Photography and videography
- Serving food
- Entertainment (music, workshops, storytelling, comedy)
- Late-night moral support for whoever is still standing at 3AM
**Volunteer Here**
Bring your energy, enthusiasm, and—most importantly—your joy.
Experience the Magic: Day-Long Activities and Entertainment
The JOY-A-THON isn’t just a drop-off spot. It’s a 24 hour festival of community spirit, complete with performances, crafts, food, and more.
Featured Performances & Activities
- Drag Holiday Story Show—“Mother Joy & Joy Jr.” with Clitty Umbridge as Mother Joy and Estee Lauderdale as Joy Jr. This one-hour fantasy blends humor, heart, and holiday magic. Mother Joy teaches Joy Jr. about the true spirit of giving, community, and love. It’s joyful, theatrical, and totally unforgettable.
- Kid-Friendly Ornament Crafting with Girl Scout Troop #30574. Make pine cone trees and handmade ornaments to keep or gift. Session times are 10AM–11AM and 1PM–2PM.
- Live music and author readings.
- Food and refreshments.
- Local artisans.
- Workshops, and more.
Why It Matters
More families than ever are navigating financial challenges this holiday season.
A single gift, a winter coat, a grocery card, a toy, or an act of service can make a profound difference in someone’s life. HTEI’s mission s rooted in equity, compassion, and community care—and the JOY-A-THON is one of the most powerful expressions of that work each year. Together, we can show 24 families (and so many more) that they’re surrounded by a community that cares.
Be Part of the Joy
Whether you can donate a toy, fulfill an entire family’s wishlist, volunteer at midnight, bring cookies to keep the volunteers motivated, or simply show up to enjoy the joy, you’re helping create a stronger, kinder, more connected community. The JOY-A-THON runs December 13–14, 2025, 7AM to 7AM. The location is The JFKLiving Team office, 45 Haddon Avenue, Haddon Township NJ 08108.
Get Involved Below:
