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The Annual Shop with a Hero Holiday Event is new spin on the national “Shop with a Cop” campaign operating in conjunction with the Community Action Partnership of New Jersey. For this annual event 250 Children receive $100 gift cards to go shopping within the City of Newark, with local heroes; Fire Fighters, Police Officers, Educators, Community Leaders and many more! We hope that this continues to create an environment for a child and a hero to build a lasting bond and mentorship.
Our Mission
UCC's mission is to assist low-income, disadvantaged and at risk individuals and families, including seniors and youth, to become self-sufficient and self supporting; while enhancing their quality of life and standard of living.
Imagine this: Police cars, fire trucks, and ambulances forming a joyful caravan, not racing to an emergency but escorting 250 children to a day they’ll never forget. Instead of responding to a crisis, our first responders are answering a different kind of call — helping children choose $100 worth of gifts for themselves and their loved ones.
At UCC's 5th Annual Shop With a Hero, families will be welcomed by community leaders, UCC staff, partners, sponsors, and, of course, the heroes who make the day possible. Together, they’ll head out to Broad and Market Streets in Newark where children will shop side-by-side with the very people who protect and serve them.
But the magic doesn’t end with the shopping spree. Families will also receive holiday essentials, resources, and additional gifts to brighten the season. UCC is proud to include heroes from across our community — police officers, firefighters, EMTs, doctors, educators, and more — ensuring children see role models from every corner of their community. More than just an event, Shop With a Hero fosters joy, connection, and mentorship that can last far beyond the holidays.
We created ‘Shop with a Hero’ to bring joy into the lives of the children that participate, give some assistance to their parents and recognize the work of our local heroes
The event gives children a chance to shop and interact with a hero who volunteered their time. I cannot thank our heroes enough who volunteered and our donors whose contributions made this possible. A very special thank you to the UCC staff, volunteers and board of directors whose selflessness made this event happen”
- John Jewell, UCC Board Chair
We support the United Community Corporation and all the things they do to help the people of Essex County and in the City of Newark, especially during the holiday season
It can be really challenging for families to be able to provide gifts and necessary items for their kids. Shop with a Hero gives us a chance to take the kids through the downtown so they can pick out the things that they want to have this holiday season. It helps to address yet another need for people in the community
- Patrick Fox, President of Wellpoint New Jersey
UCC’s Shop with a Hero program is a shining example of the strength of community spirit during the holiday season
Supporting this initiative was an easy decision because it ensures that hundreds of local children experience joy, hope, and care during this special time of year. Programs like these not only make a meaningful difference in the lives of families but also build lasting connections between our community and the heroes who serve it
- Carlos Gonzalez, Newark City Council Member At-Large
Peapack Private was proud to once again support United Community Corporation’s Shop with a Hero event.
The Bank values its partnership with UCC in bringing joy to Newark’s youth during the holiday season through financial support and mentorship. Shop with a Hero is invaluable in providing holiday cheer to children and families, offering them the opportunity to connect with community leaders and role models, and in turn, fostering respect and inspiration
- Peapack Private representatives
’Light the World’ is an invitation to transform the world during the holiday season by following the example of Jesus Christ
When we look outside of ourselves and look instead for ways to bless communities, we touch the hearts and the lives of others. In doing so, we bless the most vulnerable among us. That is exactly what UCC is doing, and The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints is honored to serve alongside UCC, its volunteers and other organizations who seek to spread joy, peace, and light this holiday season
- Juan Almeida, Liberty Park New Jersey Stake President
All heroes don’t wear capes. The City of Newark is very fortunate to have organizations like United Community Corporation that spread joy and love to the youth in our community.
Congratulations and thank you to all of the sponsors, first responders, educators, community leaders and other heroes that will help the children shop for holidays
- C. Lawrence Crump, Newark City Council President