By Michael Benavides
Staff Writer
PLUMSTED – After a Plumsted Township family lost its home and possessions to a fire in late November, the members of the Plumsted Business and Merchants Association (PBMA) decided to reach out and help their neighbors.
Township Committeeman Herb Marinari, who serves as president of the PBMA, said he asked the members of the association if they would offer assistance to Matt and Raman Canto and their three young children.
The response from the local business community produced a $3,125 donation to the family, according to Marinari.
“These PBMA members are not the owners of (superstores); they are hard-working, in some cases mom and pop businesses suffering through a very harsh economy for many years,” Marinari said. “These are Plumsted business owners who have donated to many worthy issues in the past and will continue to do so for the community in the future.
“I ask that people please support these fine businesses now and in the future,” he said. “The association was also able to continue our yearly food drive working in conjunction with the Plumsted schools to provide 185 bags of groceries and 125 hams to needy Plumsted families.”
Marinari said the following business and individuals contributed to the effort to assist the Canto family: Arctic Heating and Cooling, Wrightstown; Big Woods Farm and Nursery, New Egypt; Bohonyi Corporation (Animals and Gardens Unlimited), New Egypt; Bomar Printing, New Egypt.
And, Charleston Coffeehouse, New Egypt; CMC Family Chiropractic, New Egypt; DeWolf’s Farm, New Egypt; Four Winds Realty, Cream Ridge; Hair Barn, Wrightstown; Healthy Smiles of New Egypt; Hometown Pool Supply, Jackson; J.A. Wig Construction and Electric, New Egypt; Laurita Winery; New Egypt; Next Step Strategies, New Egypt.
Also, Plumsted Township School District Superintendent of Schools Gerald North; Dr. John O’Connor; Internet eBusiness Solutions, Cinnaminson; Rosemary Potkulski, bank manager of PNC Bank, Cream Ridge; Stratton Heating and Air Conditioning, New Egypt; Tilghman Funeral Home, New Egypt; and Plumsted Mayor Jack Trotta and his wife Kathy.
In an interview on Dec. 28, Raman Canto said she was amazed by how fast her fellow residents responded to help her family during a time of need.
“What amazes us is that the fire happened at about 4 a.m. and it was a Monday and people had work and school, but after a couple of hours people were donating anything they could think of doing.
“Everyone in town pretty much got us everything we need to use in our daily lives. I am just surprised at how much everyone did for us … we (are wondering) how we are ever going to repay the town,” Canto said.
“We are not people who will ask for help, we would rather work hard for what we earn, but sometimes things happen,” she said. “We still feel uncomfortable that people are helping us. I just want to say it is a small town, but the people have big hearts.
“Everybody keeps asking if we are going to move somewhere else, but we can’t see ourselves anywhere else. We want to be around town to help in any way we can because it is our home. You know how they say angels are watching over us, I believe they are here helping in any way they can. This shall pass, but the kindness will be remembered forever,” Canto said.
The Canto family is living with Raman’s parents in Hamilton Township.
“We want to thank every person who has donated to us. We have lot of people and places that have donated to us, but there were many anonymous donations, too. We just want to make sure we get to thank everybody. I hope this reaches all the people we could not thank in person,” she said.
Canto said she and her husband are working with their insurance company to have their home on East Millstream Road rebuilt.
In an interview on Dec. 29, Matt Canto said the fire was believed to have been caused by ashes from a wood burning stove in their home.
