WEST DEPTFORD — As many Americans are still facing long term unemployment, and many others fear foreclosure, the need for food and shelter during the holiday season is more critical than ever. Senate President Steve Sweeney, Assembly Deputy Speaker John J. Burzichelli, and Assemblywoman
Celeste M. Riley are urging residents to remember those less fortunate by donating food and old cell phones to organizations who help those in need.
“There are many families who are struggling to keep household finances together,” said Sweeney. “Having to choose between paying bills and feeding loved ones should never be an option. It is extremely important to help stock local food banks as we enter the holidays and winter months.”
“It is staggering to think that in Twenty-First Century America, people are going hungry every day,” added Burzichelli. “Hunger is a year round problem, but during the holidays, it is more keenly felt.”
During December through March 2014, the Third Legislative District offices will be collecting non-perishable food items for the South Jersey Food Bank and used cell phones for the Cell Phones for Soldiers initiative. Cell Phones for Soldiers is a non-profit organization that recycles cell phones and uses the monies from recycling firms to purchase calling cards for soldiers overseas. Food collected for the South Jersey Food Bank will assist families through the Holidays and into the Easter season.
Cell phones and non-perishable food items for the South Jersey Food Bank, including peanut butter, jelly, macaroni and cheese, canned tuna, breakfast cereal, pasta, and canned fruits and vegetables, instant and canned soups can be dropped off to the Third District offices at Kingsway Commons, 935 Kings Highway, Suite 400 in West Deptford or at the Finlaw Building, 199 East Broadway, Suite G in Salem City. Residents may also drop off items at any of the upcoming Third District Mobile Offices.
“A donation of a few pantry items picked up when shopping for your own family can provide several meals to people who are hungry,” noted Assemblywoman Riley.
If residents would like more information on the Third Legislative District’s food drive and cell phones collection, please call the West Deptford District office at 856-251-9801.
