NOBLE NJ NEWS

ANOTHER RESOUNDING SUCCESS: Holiday Toy Drive Brings Joy to Many

The spirit of giving was alive and well on December 20, 2024, during the successful Holiday Toy Drive, which brought smiles to the faces of many children in need. Ret. NYPD Det. 1st Grade, and NOBLE National Associate Member Representative, Michelle Tégé coordinated this heartwarming event, resulting in over 30 large bags filled with toys and winter clothing for children, which were collected and distributed to various local institutions.

On the following day, December 21, 2024, the generous donations arrived at the St. James House, the St. Peter’s Hospital, the Edison Housing Complex, and the NJ Sickle Cell Foundation. Over $300.00 worth of toys were donated to Bristol-Meyers Squibb Children’s Hospital at Robert Wood Johnson University through their Amazon Wish List. These efforts were carried out by NOBLE NJ, an organization dedicated to community service, with significant contributions from individuals like Councilman Carlos Torres of Elizabeth, New Jersey, where NOBLE NJ Executive Board Member Earl Graves serves as Police Director.

This remarkable initiative was made possible by the dedication and support of NOBLE NJ members who volunteered their time and resources for this worthy cause. Among the notable contributors were Coordinator Michelle Tégé, NOBLE NJ Member Linda Williams, Police Director Quovella Maeweather, Retired Police Chief Lawrence Suffern, Retired Chief Investigator Bill Oliver, Demitrius Dacres, Jamie Hendrix, Manny Rios, Mahasin El-Amin, and Tyshima Hinnant.

The success of the Holiday Toy Drive is a testament to the power of community and the impact of collective effort. The joy and excitement experienced by the children receiving these gifts highlight the importance of such initiatives and the positive change they bring to the lives of many.

As we reflect on this achievement, we extend our heartfelt gratitude to everyone who played a part in making this event a success. Together, we continue to build stronger communities and foster a spirit of generosity and compassion.

Earl J. Graves was recently recognized by the 313 Ancestors Speak Project for his dedication to public service and his efforts to foster safe communities in Elizabeth, New Jersey, and beyond. This important initiative aims to give voice to the lives of over 313 enslaved and free African ancestors buried at the Siloam-Hope First Presbyterian Church in Elizabeth New Jersey.

Earl Graves serves as the Director of the Elizabeth Police Department, which oversees law enforcement in New Jersey's fourth-largest city. He is also the Vice President, North, of the National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Executives (NOBLE), New Jersey Chapter. Notably, he is the city’s first African American Police Director, managing a department that includes approximately 365 law enforcement officers and 200 civilian personnel, with an annual budget of $55 million.

With over three decades of experience in law enforcement, Director Graves retired in 2018 as Deputy Chief of Detectives from the Essex County Prosecutor's Office in Newark, New Jersey. During his tenure, he commanded and served in various units, including the Critical Incident Response Team, Homicide, Vehicular Homicide, Gang, Narcotics, Financial Crimes, Cyber Crimes, Crime Scene, and Arson & Community Outreach.