Thanksgiving originated with the Pilgrims in 1621 as a feast celebrating the survival of their first year in the New World. The party was a traditional English harvest festival and lasted three days.
The custom of an annual day for giving thanks continued through the years and in the late 1770s, a day of national thanksgiving was suggested by the Continental Congress. In 1817, New York State adopted Thanksgiving Day as an annual custom. By the middle of the 19th century, other states joined in the tradition. In 1863, President Abraham Lincoln appointed a National Day of Thanksgiving and, since then, each President has issued a Thanksgiving Day Proclamation. We now celebrate Thanksgiving on the fourth Thursday of November.
Thanksgiving has become the unofficial start of the holiday season. Businesses look forward to the following day, which is the national phenomenon that has become known as “Black Friday.” The origin comes from the shift to profitability for the retailers during the holiday season. It has traditionally been the time that retailers went from being unprofitable or “in the red” to being profitable or “in the black.” In Voorhees, the Saturday after Thanksgiving is proclaimed to be “Small Business Saturday,” a national promotion started in 2010 which encourages holiday shoppers to patronize small local businesses. The Monday after Thanksgiving has come to be known as “Cyber Monday” since retailers give discounts to online shoppers.
Small businesses are the foundation of our local economy and quality of life. In addition to a vast array of wonderful small restaurants, Voorhees has a great selection of small businesses for jewelry, clothing, gift items, housewares, pottery, art, music, baked goods and toys.
All our Voorhees businesses can be found on the Township web page, voorheesnj.com, and the web site also shows which businesses are part of Shop Voorhees. This program allows a portion of your normal purchasing dollars spent on goods and services in Voorhees to be applied to your property tax bill, thereby reducing your taxes at the end of the tax year. Shop at any participating Shop Voorhees! business. Such participating businesses are identified by the “Live Voorhees, Shop Voorhees!” logo in their window. A list is also available at propertytaxcard.com under the participating merchants tab (enter “Voorhees” in the “Name of Town” section.) When checking out after shopping, your card is no longer needed. Simply present your registered phone number and the retailer will apply a percentage of your purchase to reduce your property tax bill. Each business independently establishes the percentage of your purchase that will be applied toward your tax credit. To sign up for the Shop Voorhees Program, scan the QR code:
While traditions vary, Thanksgiving should remain a holiday which focuses on food, family and gratitude. On behalf of the Township Committee, have a happy and healthy Thanksgiving!
** On Friday, Nov. 24 at 7pm we will have our Annual Holiday Parade and Tree Lighting Ceremony at the Town Center. Voorhees Got Talent finals will kick off the event at 6pm.
** Santa Claus On a Fire Truck will be touring our town on Dec. 1, 2, 8, 9. Check the Township website for Santa Sightings https://voorheesnj.com/2023/11/09/santa-sightings/
** Cookies with Santa will be on Saturday, Dec. 16 from noon to 4pm at the Burnt Mill Fire Station. Bring your camera to take pictures with Santa, see the fire truck displays, enjoy holiday music and more. The Voorhees Art Commission will join the fire department personnel to decorate cookies.
** The Voorhees Township Police Department is again accepting donations to the Voorhees Police Holiday Fund to brighten the lives of local families in need. All requests from families should be received by Dec. 1. Donations from local businesses and residents are welcome. Checks payable to: Voorhees Police Holiday Fund. For more information, contact Stephanie Fowler sfowler@vtpd.com or call Voorhees Police Records Bureau 856-627-5858 ext. 3001.
** The Voorhees Township Police Department and Camden County are hosting a Winter Coat Drive. The goal is to collect new or gently used coats, hats and gloves for those less fortunate. Drop off your donations at the Police Station Lobby. Donation deadline is Dec. 1, 2023. For more information email adipietro@camdencmo.org
