It's that time of year where we should all be kinder to each other and do something for those less fortunate. We love to give back at the Johnny Meatballs Empire. You know I take such great pride in the compliments and support from my satisfied customers, I would give my meatballs away for free all the time if I could.

Over the summer, we were part of several charitable festivals where portions of the vendor proceeds went to a particular charity.

A few of them were in Franklin Lakes and the turnouts were fantastic. The Fine Arts & Crafts Show we were part of benefited the Emmanuel Cancer Foundation and the Animal Hospital Adoption Day was the other event that took place in that town back in May. Then there was the Diabetes Awareness Day in Lyndhurst in September, another great cause. Most recently, we donated our services for the Charity Di Vino at the Sheraton last month. All were huge successes and we were very honored to be part of them.

In two weeks, we will be rolling out to another event...this one for what I feel is the best cause of all--for the kids. I hope you all come out and celebrate Christmas with Johnny Meatballs and give back to those in need when we participate in our first ever holiday toy drive. On Tuesday December 20th, bring an unwrapped toy to 100 Ruckman Road in Closter (the Closter Fire Dept.) and in return, you will get a Johnny Meatballs Slider Sandwich on the house. I will be there with members of the local police, fire department and military for this annual drive organized by the P.B.A.

There will be lots of special guests (including Santa!) in attendance, some celebrities and even reality show stars. Lots of other food will be provided too, all donated...so come eat, hang out and bring some toys which will be distributed at Sanzari hospitals and Tomorrow's Children. Some of the agencies that we will be collecting for will be: Westside Infant & Teen Center, Friends of Children, Northern NJ Cerebral Palsy Center, the Bergen County Head Start Program and numerous churches and families throughout the area.

Media and cameras will be present to cover this event as well. It's going to be a real celebration, so save the date. This is what the season of giving is all about.