As the sun went down on the City of Newburgh, temperatures drastically fell and the cold wind picked up. However, frigid temperatures could not stop Dare to Dream Christian Ministries from holding their annual “Christmas Toy Give Away” on Wednesday, December 22.

Dare to Dream Christian Ministries is run by Pastors Jesus and Marilyn Maldonado. Originally, the congregation was housed at 87 Broadway. They have since moved to 340 First Street where their toy drive was held.

Prior to the festivities, members grabbed a cup of hot chocolate to warm themselves and had a plate of rice and beans and other foods to get them ready for the work ahead. All while inside to keep warm from the cold.

Tables were set, lights were strung up and a speaker blasted out classic Christmas songs for all to hear. Residents would sign in at the front and waited online for their group to pick out a toy. After they finished, they could either grab a hot chocolate or some food items on their way out. “I am super excited and honored and thankful,” Marilyn said. “We back.”

For the past 11 years, this congregation had looked forward to this drive every year around the holiday season. Last year however, the pandemic made the congregation change their distribution plans. According to Marilyn, the congregation went around in their cars to distribute supplies, toys and food to the families in need at their homes. Now that they are back, it makes the congregation and pastors happy to see their neighbors out and getting the help they need from their church. “I’m happy that we can do something for the community,” Jesus said. “Last year was a hard time for everybody.”

Areli Ortiz, who handles outreach for the church, said neighbors and community members who learned about the movement of the congregation were so happy to learn about their new place and were looking forward to coming. Lillian Cruz, one of the congregation volunteers, was helping set up the stations and working on the final preparations for the event. “I love being a part of my pastor’s vision,” Cruz said. Before coming in the gates, Cruz said that attendants would need to sign in and provide contact information for the church. This helps the church in turn stay in touch with members and make them aware of events such as this.