b"andpan,andaset of silverwarethat Sleemansteamwill provide as welcome giftswhenclients move in. AlthoughWare-house NJ is a one-womanoperation, Sleemanknows shecouldnthelp somanypeople withoutvolunteers. Most are people she hasmetoverthe yearsthroughher kids activities or on communityproj-ects. Shepointsto LeaCruz,afor-mer court reporter, whobusiesher-selforganizingtheVolunteer Lea Cruz enjoys adding the finishing touches that warehousespace.bring warmth to a home.Sleeman says, Shes coming up to her 200th move with us.PhotojournalistTimBakerisan-But thats just the moves. So thats justother regular who enjoys the teamwork helping load the truck, delivering it,and giving back. He says his favorite and setting up the apartment. Thatsmoments are connecting with the cli-MAPLEWOOD not counting all the days of pickingents and listening to their stories.upfurniture,allthedayswheresheSleemans four children, ages 15 to DICKENS VILLAGEand I spend four or five hours clean- 21, have worked at Warehouse NJ in ing the furniture, trying to repair littledifferentroles.Overtime,theyhave EVENTS things that are wrong, going to Homeseen the impact their actions have had Depotandgettingknobsforthingson clients, who are grateful to have an S aturday , d ecember2 thatwerentright,hangingart.Shesapartmentandpossessionstheycan 1 p.m. Santa arrives, escorted by the Maplewood Fire Departmentamazing at making a place look as tidycall their own.1 - 4 p.m. Visit with Santa as possible so its nicer for the peoplePeoplewhodonatefurnitureare Dickens Village houses open for viewingwhen they walk in.thrilled because their items get a sec-4:30 p.m. Tree Lighting ProgramTraditional holiday reading andentertainment1 - 4 p.m. S aturday , d ecember9Visit with SantaDickens Village houses open for viewingHorse & Wagon RidesCloverland Petting Farm6:15 p.m. F riday , d ecember15Menorah Lighting, Ricalton SquareS aturday , d ecember161 - 4 p.m. Visit with SantaDickens Village houses open for viewingHorse & Wagon Rides2 p.m. Swing Town Holiday Concert, Burgdorff Center3 p.m. Holiday story time with Maplewood children's librarianJennifer JaccoppoSponsored by the Maplewood Village Alliance and supported bygenerous businesses and benefactors in our wonderful community.Some events are dependent upon the weather. Visit maplewooddickensvillage.com for updates Sleeman wasn't expecting to get so many referrals for refugee families. This apartment is ready for a family of eight from Syria.42/ matters magazine / holiday 2023"