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COVID-19 Recovery Emergency Food Distribution

The Union County Board of County Commissioners, the Village Super Market of Springfield Township and Gargiulo Produce are providing a drive through only food distribution event to all Union County residents affected by COVID-19 on Saturday, December 17, 2023. Click here or text “FindFood” for English, or text “Comida” for Spanish to 908-224-7776 to find helpful information quickly.

Click here to view and/or download the informational flyer for this event in English.
Click here to view and/or download the informational flyer for this event in Spanish.

  • Who: Union County residents only.
  • What: Drive-through emergency food distribution hosted by the County of Union. The first 2,000+ persons will receive a special holiday food box produce with all the trimmings on a first-come, first-served basis.
  • When: Saturday, December 17, at 8am.
  • Where: Kean University, which is located at 1000 Morris Avenue, Union, NJ 07083.
  • How: One food distribution per vehicle, while supplies last. Refrigerate any perishable items shortly after distribution. Please make sure to clear out the vehicle’s trunk prior to arrival to make room for food boxes. Bring one (1) proof of Union County residency, NJ residency (Utility bill, Driver’s license, ID card). Event will take place rain or shine. With any questions, or for more information, please email the DHS Action Line or call 908-677-5405.

Cybersecurity Warning for Linden Residents; Beware of Gift Card Scams

During the holiday season and all-year round, it is common for consumers to purchase gift cards for themselves, for family members and friends. Hackers seek to exploit this common purchase in the form of gift card scams.

How does this happen?

Hackers will initiate fraudulent requests by spoofing a known or trusted person – such as a person in leadership or a position of authority within an organization, a friend, or a loved one – to make the request appear legitimate. They also create a sense of urgency with a fake story or emergency to convince the recipient to act quickly without verifying. These fraudulent requests may be sent through email, SMS text messages, and social media platforms.

Authorities continue to receive reports of gift card scams from New Jersey residents and organizations. For example, an employee received an email sent from an external account purportedly from the CEO, who was attending a meeting out of state. The CEO requested their phone number to perform a task. The employee provided their phone number and then communicated through SMS text messages. The request was to purchase two $500 Apple gift cards, to which the victim complied and submitted the back of the gift cards. The request was was only identified as a scam when the victim was asked for the remaining balances.

Example of a real attempt to defraud.

In the above campaign, the hackers stated that they are traveling and having an issue purchasing a $500 Apple gift card for their niece’s birthday. They request the recipient to purchase the gift card and will pay them back as soon as they get back. Other campaigns may, for example, apologize for bothering the potential victim and inquire if they have an Amazon account or order from them.

What should we do?

Refrain from responding to unsolicited communications, clicking links or opening attachments from unknown senders, and exercise caution with communications from known senders. If you are unsure of am email’s legitimacy, then contact the sender via a separate means of communication, such as by phone, before taking action. Call the sender from a phone number that you already have, and NOT from a phone number provided in the email requesting the gift cards.

Refrain from complying with requests to purchase gift cards and sending the numbers to someone without first verifying the request via a separate means of communication. These are unusual requests or demands, typically portraying a sense of urgency, and should be handled with suspicion.

What should I do if this is happening or already happened to me?

  • If gift card information was already sent, then immediately contact the company who issued the gift card to inquire if the funds are still on the gift card and can be frozen.
  • Incidents should be reported on https://www.cyber.nj.gov/report (the NJCCIC Cyber Incident Report Form), and https://www.ic3.gov (the FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center), and to the Linden Police Department at 908 474 8502.

Let’s all remain vigilant of these and similar scams.

New Jersey Audubon Winter Programs

New Jersey Audubon is hosting public programs for all ages at Hawk Rise Sanctuary. Come out to Hawk Rise to experience the sights, sounds and smells of winter.

Click here to view and/or download informational flyer for the Winter 2023/2024 New Jersey Audubon programs.

Holiday House Decorating Contest

Mayor Derek Armstead, the City of Linden, and the Linden Cultural & Heritage Committee present the Holiday House Decorating Contest! Let’s light up Linden with holiday spirit!

Click here to view and/or download the informational flyer for this contest.

All homes in Linden that have their holiday lights on from December 12 to December 20 will be judged. No registration required. Winners to be announced on December 28, 2023. Winning homes will be on the City of Linden website, and pictures will be shared on Linden’s Facebook and Nextdoor pages. Gift cards will be delivered to the winning homes. Homes that have won in the past two years will not be eligible. Email here to have your home judged.

2024 Indoor Soccer

Mayor Derek Armstead, the City of Linden, and the Department of Parks & Recreation are pleased to announce the 2024 Indoor Soccer Program. Register early to secure a spot on a team!

Click here to view and/or download the informational flyer for this program.

  • Who: Open to all children ages 6 through 12.
  • What: Indoor soccer. All participants must have their own shin guards.
  • Where: All League games are played at the Linden Multi Purpose Center, which is located at 1025 John Street.
  • When: The League begins on Saturday, January 13, 2024 at 10:15am.
  • How: Registration deadline is December 29, 2023. After deadline, all registrants must register at the main office and a waiting list will be established. Registration fee is $56 for residents, and $66 for non-residents. The registration fee includes a one-time annual $6 insurance fee. All participants must have their own shin guards. Register online here, or register in person at the John T. Gregorio Center (330 Helen Street) from 9am until 4pm, or at the Linden Multi Purpose Center (1025 John Street) from 9am until 7pm. All locations accept checks, money orders, Visa and Mastercard. No refunds once the League begins. For more information, call (908) 474-8600. Please note: all new “First Time” participants must bring the following original documents that will be verified at registration:
    • Child’s original birth certificate.
    • Household bill showing proof of residency.
    • Diver’s License or photo ID of parent/guardian signing up their child.

2024 Little Kickers Indoor Clinic

Mayor Derek Armstead, the City of Linden, and the Department of Parks & Recreation are pleased to announce the 2024 Little Kickers Indoor Clinic. Register early to secure a spot!

Click here to view and/or download the informational flyer for this program.

  • Who: Open to all children ages 4 and 5.
  • What: Indoor soccer. All participants must have their own shin guards.
  • Where: All Clinic practices are played at the Linden Multi Purpose Center, which is located at 1025 John Street.
  • When: The League begins on Saturday, January 13, 2024 at 9am. Clinic will run for eight (8) Saturdays: January 13, 20 and 27, February 3, 10, 17 and 24 and March 2.
  • How: Registration deadline is December 30, 2022. After deadline, all registrants must register at the main office and a waiting list will be established. Registration fee is $56 for residents, and $66 for non-residents. The registration fee includes a one-time annual $6 insurance fee. All participants must have their own shin guards. Register online here, or register in person at the John T. Gregorio Center (330 Helen Street) from 9am until 4pm, or at the Linden Multi Purpose Center (1025 John Street) from 9:30am until 7pm. All locations accept checks, money orders, Visa and Mastercard. No refunds once the Clinic begins. For more information, call (908) 474-8600. Please note: all new “First Time” participants must bring the following original documents that will be verified at registration:
    • Child’s original birth certificate.
    • Household bill showing proof of residency.
    • Diver’s License or photo ID of parent/guardian signing up their child.

Grab & Go

First Baptist Church Outreach Ministry presents Grab & Go.

Click here to view and/or download the informational flyer for this event.

  • What: Grab and go meal distribution. First-come, first-serve. One dinner per person.
  • Where: First Baptist Church, which is located at 929 Dill Avenue.
  • When: Saturday, December 9 from 12pm until 2pm.
  • How: Meals will be provided as grab and go. First-come, first-serve. One dinner per person.

Winter Coat Drive

First Baptist Church in partnership with Sigma Phi Rho Fraternity Inc. present a Winter Coat Drive on December 9, 2023.

Click here to view and/or download the informational flyer for this event.

  • What: Coat distribution – giveaway.
    • Accepting donations on new and gently used coats from November 26 through December 7.
  • Where: First Baptist Church, which is located at 929 Dill Avenue.
  • When: Saturday, December 9 from 11am until 2pm.
  • How to Help: Accepting donations on new and gently used coats from November 26 through December 7.
    • Donations accepted on Sundays from 9am until 12:30pm, and Tuesdays and Thursdays from 6pm until 8pm.

City of Linden 2023 Tree Lighting

Mayor Derek Armstead and the Cultural & Heritage Committee invite you to attend the 2023 City of Linden Annual Holiday Tree Lighting. Enjoy live entertainment, holiday music, refreshments and meet Santa!

Due to the weather forecast, the Tree Lighting Holiday Program is rescheduled for Friday, Dececmber 8, 2023 at 6pm.

Click here to view and/or download the informational flyer for this event.

  • What: Annual Holiday Tree Lighting. Enjoy live entertainment, holiday music, refreshments and meet Santa! After the tree lighting, Linden families are invited to the Raymond Wood Bauer Promenade to take pictures with Santa and enjoy refreshments. Children ages ten and under receive a goodie bag and a chance to win a bike!
  • When: Friday, December 8, 2023 at 6pm.
  • Where: In front of Linden City Hall, which is located at 301 North Wood Avenue.
    • After the tree lighting, Linden families are invited to the Raymond Wood Bauer Promenade (400 North Wood Avenue) to take pictures with Santa and enjoy refreshments.