WOODBRIDGE — Valentine’s Day is around the corner and township officials are challenging entities to “have-a-heart” for its annual food drive.
The “Have-A-Heart” food drive challenges township businesses, retail food service outlets, hospitality industry, corporate businesses and offices, schools, students and residents to donate 214 pounds of food or contribute $214 to assist Woodbridge food pantries continue their work providing food and meals to less fortunate residents and the homeless.
“As we enter the New Year, let’s not forget that there are many less fortunate families throughout Woodbridge Township that need special help each and every day, not just during the holidays,” Mayor John E. McCormac said. “One of the most important missions I have embraced as mayor is trying to raise public awareness about the need to continually seek donations to keep the township’s food pantries stocked throughout the year.”
McCormac said they recognize that hunger knows no season and no boundary.
“[Our township] knows that it is crucial to work every day to collect food and supplies so we can help provide the necessities of life to our neighbors who might otherwise go hungry,” he said.
Since 1995, the annual “Have-A-Heart” food drive has launched each January under the sponsorship of the Woodbridge Department of Health and Human Services and the “We Feed Woodbridge” Food Bank Committee.
The food drive is sponsored by Wegman’s, ShopRite, Northfield Bank, the Colonia Business Community (CBC), and the Corner News Publication.
“It has become the most important community program undertaken throughout the entire year,” Peter Barcellona, chairman of the “We Feed Woodbridge” Food Bank Committee, said.
The 2017 “Have-A-Heart” Food Drive Challenge netted $32,300 and more than 26,500 pounds of nonperishable foods.
Anyone interested in participating, call Barcellona at 732-855-0600 ext. 5034 and provide details of when and where to pick up a donation. Volunteers will come directly to the location.
Donations of non-perishable food items can also be dropped off at the Woodbridge Township Public Health Center, 2 George Frederick Plaza, or the Woodbridge Community Center, 600 Main St., anytime between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. Monday through Friday.
Financial contributions, payable to “We Feed Woodbridge” can also be dropped off at the Health Center or mailed directly to the Woodbridge Department of Health and Human Services, c/o We Feed Woodbridge, 2 George Frederick Plaza, Woodbridge, NJ 07095.
