Councilman Anibal Ramos Jr. donated large bags of gifts to some of the neediest children in Newark’s North Ward during his annual holiday part at Immaculate Conception.

The bags were filled with games, toys, clothes and other presents, which were purchased with funds donated by the Anibal Ramos Jr. Civic Association as well as constituents who dropped off donations in the weeks leading up to Christmas.

 “This holiday season, we have to remember those who are less fortunate,” Councilman Ramos said. “For many of our families, 2014 was a rough year. But no child should be denied the joy that opening a present can bring.”

Ramos sought the names of two families most in need this holiday season from every school in the North Ward. More than 25 families with 42 children attended the holiday celebration Monday evening.

Also invited were families who were displaced from their homes during a four-alarm fire that tore through three apartment buildings on Bloomfield Avenue.

The families devastated by the fire were also able to chose from an assortment of donated goods, including canned food, clothing and bedding.

Also in attendance to at the Monday event to wish those in attendance holiday cheer were Sen. M. Teresa Ruiz, Assemblywoman Eliana Pintor Marin, Councilmen-at-large Luis Quintana and Carlos M. Gonzalez.

"I want to thank all those who contributed to the ARJ Civic Association as well as those who generously donated gifts to make this evening special for these children," Ramos said.