November 21, 2025
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Colleen Claggett/For PhillyVoice
Nina and Jayda of Larc Norcross School hang ornaments on a tree during a Christmas tree-decorating event at Battleship New Jersey Museum
The Battleship New Jersey kicked off a new holiday tradition Friday morning by welcoming leaders and volunteers from South Jersey nonprofits to decorate Christmas trees aboard the historic vessel.
Participating organizations included Larc Norcross School, Inspira Health Foundation, Hopeworks, Bestwork Industries for the Blind, KB Foundation, Ronald McDonald House, CASA and the Food Bank of South Jersey. Children from Larc School pitched in to decorate the trees, which will remain up for visitors through the holidays.
Patricia Egan Jones, a board member for both the Battleship New Jersey and Larc Norcross School, said the partnership highlights the ship’s deepening ties to local organizations.
Jayda and executive director Stephanie Riehl of Larc Norcross School hang an ornament on a tree during a Christmas tree-decorating event at Battleship New Jersey Museum and Memorial on November 21, 2025 in Camden, New Jersey.
“We've had Larc students here before — just on tours — but this is special.” said Egan Jones. “Visitors will learn more about our wonderful facility and the extraordinary people and families.”
She added that hosting school groups has become an important part of the battleship’s mission.
“We've had more children and more schools on the ship this year than ever before,” said Egan Jones. “So, we're making a dent with our young folks and their schools so that they're better educated about the history of this country and the sacrifices people made that allow them to enjoy a trip on an old battleship.”
Dawn Lewis, president and CEO of Shoes for Your Soul, attended with her grandchildren. Her organization provides free, properly fitted shoes and socks to children in need throughout Camden County and beyond.
Julianne Dods (right) poses for a photo with Krysti Plester, Megan Moose, Diana Taylor, Barb Capelli and Jackie Herman of Bestwork Industries for the Blind and the tree they decorated during a Christmas tree-decorating event at Battleship New Jersey Museum and Memorial on November 21, 2025 in Camden, New Jersey.
“We properly size every child to ensure they're in the correct size shoe and they are then given a choice of any shoe that we have available in their size,” said Lewis.
Lewis said being part of the event alongside other nonprofits and her grandchildren felt especially meaningful.
“For the Battleship of New Jersey to invite ten non-profits for this amazing opportunity — I'm speechless,” said Lewis. “To share it with ten other non-profits along with my grandchildren is a once-in-a-lifetime experience.”
Representatives from the Food Bank of South Jersey were also present. The organization has 74 employees in Pennsauken and serves approximately 200,000 food-insecure residents in Burlington, Camden, Gloucester and Salem counties.
“This is just a proud partnership,” said Chief People Officer Janet Kotsakis. “Camden is a huge part of what we do and we're proud to be here to support another Camden icon. We’re really excited that a lot of people are going to learn more about the food bank.”
Kotsakis said the battleship’s holiday programming draws visitors from across the region.
“People from all around the Delaware Valley come here to look at the trees, be part of the breakfast with Santa, and visit the museum,” she said.
Cherelle Jones, Hayde Salcedo and Cait O’Donnell of Cathedral Kitchen decorate a tree during a Christmas tree-decorating event at Battleship New Jersey Museum and Memorial on November 21, 2025 in Camden, New Jersey.
Robin Walton, Senior Vice President of External Affairs and Chief Philanthropy Officer for Inspira Health Foundation, said the event reflects how the battleship serves both its historic purpose and its broader community role.
“It’s an example of how the battleship plays a critical role, not only in our appreciation of supporting and honoring those who serve, but also as a place of community and support for all of us,” said Walton. “We've been able to partner with the battleship this year around critical work we are doing that's really going to help improve the quality of wellness and innovation within our communities."
Walton said Inspira was grateful to be part of the celebration as another opportunity to “share and spread the message of community and joy.”
The decorated trees will remain on view throughout the season as part of the battleship’s holiday programming, giving visitors a chance to learn more about the nonprofits represented on board and the work they do across South Jersey.
