For Immediate Release:
November 25, 2009
Freeholders wish everyone a safe, happy Thanksgiving
FREEHOLD, NJ – The Board of Chosen Freeholders wishes everyone a happy and safe Thanksgiving weekend and reminds residents to take time to enjoy the start of the holiday season.
“The fact that we can get together with family and friends each year and celebrate Thanksgiving is truly wonderful,” Freeholder Director Barbara J. McMorrow said. “I ask that you take a moment to think about those who may not have food on their tables this weekend. Some of our neighbors need our help through these tough financial times – your food donation will be a big help. You can make a difference by donating to the FoodBank of Monmouth and Ocean Counties.”
The Freeholders also remind residents that there are plenty of local events and shopping close to home to make the upcoming holiday season enjoyable and, hopefully, less hectic. The county’s
tourism calendar has a number of holiday and cold weather activities to keep you busy.
“If part of your Thanksgiving weekend celebration includes shopping, then you should consider some of the tips offered by the county Department of Consumer Affairs,” said Freeholder Lillian G. Burry. “Credit cards and gift certificates are the gift of choice for many people during the holiday season. So, if you will be purchasing a gift card or planning to redeem one, you can make the best use of your holiday dollars by following their solid advice.”
- Redeem your gift card or gift certificate as soon as possible.Gift cards and gift certificates are valid for at least 24 months after purchase, but after 24 months a retailer can charge a fee, not to exceed $2 per month. This rule does not apply to bank-issued cards that can be redeemed at an automatic teller machine or with a merchant.
- Some gift cards may not be used to purchase items online. Be sure to read the fine print. It can make a big difference in how someone redeems your gift.
Additional tips and information about
consumer affairs can be found on the county Web site.
Thanksgiving became a national holiday in 1863 when President Abraham Lincoln proclaimed the last Thursday of November as a national day of thanksgiving. Later, President Franklin Roosevelt clarified that Thanksgiving should always be celebrated on the fourth Thursday of the month to encourage earlier holiday shopping, never on the occasional fifth Thursday.
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