BARNEGAT – While a local family is known for elaborately decorating the outside of their home for every season, they’re not ones to jump the gun. By mid-November, the Castronuovo house still sported warm autumn hues of the harvest season on the exterior.
Homeowners Rich and Dawn Castronuovo, renowned for their ability to attract crowds with their elaborate outdoor Christmas display, typically set up immediately after Thanksgiving. However, it’s the enchantment that began unfolding in the interior of their home on November 1st that truly encapsulates the spirit of holiday magic.
“My husband and I decorate a lot for Christmas,” said Dawn. “One night, we were sitting down talking about all the people that come look at our house.”
“We play Christmas movies outside during the holidays, so we’re out there a lot,” Dawn continued. “I talked to Rich about doing a toy drive in our driveway. After I put it on my personal Facebook, I had 66 toys from friends and families within three days.”
The enthusiastic and immediate response motivated Dawn to found Elfie’s House, a community-driven initiative that delivers Christmas presents to children who might otherwise be left without holiday cheer. Before the onset of mid-November this year, Dawn’s ground floor crafts room was already teeming with an assortment of donated gifts, ready for distribution.
Drop off boxes for the toys are at a number of locations. (Photo by Stephanie Faughnan)
Inspired by her personal experiences as a once single mother, Dawn’s mission is to give back and go above and beyond. She knows firsthand the challenges of struggling to afford Christmas gifts, especially for children.
Dawn and her family resided in Toms River when she and her ex-husband went separate ways. At the time, the youngest of their four children was only 2 1/2 years old.
Faced with the responsibility of raising four young children without the benefit of child support, finances were tight despite Dawn’s employment. Her parents took them in and stepped up to help in every way they could, with outside groups making life much easier around the holidays.
“We had help from the Salvation Army and the Dover Fire Department,” Dawn shared. “A lot of the senior developments and the school system were involved in getting us the help we needed.”
As Dawn moved forward, she eventually relocated to Barnegat, where her four children graduated from the local high school. Now adults at 31, 30, 29, and 28, Dawn’s three sons and daughter wholeheartedly support Elfie’s House, along with Rich’s son Patrick, 17, who lives in Toms River with his mom.
Together for eight years and married for five, Dawn credited Rich for adding joy to their lives.
“We had all five kids here working on the display outside,” said Dawn. “There’s not a square inch of grass visible with 36 blowups for this year alone.”
The Christmas extravaganza at 41 Deck Street also includes special appearances from Santa, the Grinch, and the group’s new mascot, Elfie.
Nina Bernardo, pictured with Dawn Castronuovo, drove down from Tinton Falls to donate two bicycles. (Photo by Stephanie Faughnan)
Dawn has also passed on the tradition of giving to her family’s youngest generation. Her four young grandchildren have embraced their grandmother’s commitment to making Christmas special. Firm believers in the magic of Santa Claus, these youngsters buy gifts with money they’ve saved or earned.
In its inaugural year in 2022, Elfie’s House experienced overwhelming generosity, receiving a staggering 1,210 toys through just eight drop boxes stationed in Barnegat and Stafford. Dawn, aware of the importance of ensuring the gifts reached those who need them most, decided to collaborate with the Barnegat PBA and the Stafford PBA for distribution support.
“I wanted to work with organizations that gave back through the school system,” Dawn explained. “I knew the police worked with the schools to find the families to include.”
This year, the number of drop-off points has more than tripled, reaching 26 locations spanning from Lacey in the north to West Creek in the south. With the expansion of drop-off points in Lacey this year, Elfie’s House has enlisted help in handing out gifts from Lacey Food Bank Kids.
Photo by Stephanie Faughnan
Not all donors appear to be local to Southern Ocean County, as evidenced by a couple of generous gifts from a Tinton Falls woman. Two young children, eagerly anticipating their first two-wheelers, will experience the season’s magic with Nina Bernardo’s delivery of the gifts to Dawn’s home.
Anyone needing more information about Elfie’s House can find the group on Facebook or by emailing Dawn at dcastronuovo12@gmail.com. Unwrapped gifts must be turned in by December 14th to be available for distribution in time for the holidays.
“Because every child deserves a magical Christmas,” sums up Dawn. “I’m grateful so many other people are there to help us as well. It takes a village.”
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