As a lead up to September’s Hunger Action Month, Assemblywoman Annette Quijano, D-Union, helped spearhead a month-long drive to help feed the homeless in the Elizabeth area.
Dubbing it “Hunger Doesn’t Take a Vacation,” Quijano partnered with the Elizabeth Coalition to House the Homeless and the St. Joseph Service Center to help procure more than 2,600 sandwiches, which were distributed to area homeless.
“It was truly inspiring to see so many good-hearted people come together to help those who are less fortunate,” said Quijano. “During the busy summer months, it’s easy to forget that there are those around us for whom hunger doesn’t take a vacation.”
Sandwiches were prepared by various groups every Thursday in August, including Elizabeth Coalition volunteers, staff and interns from the 20th legislative district offices, Catholic Heart Work Group Camp volunteers — children ages 13-16 — Groundwork Elizabeth Green Team-Come Grow With Us, the Red Cross, St. Mary’s Church Cub Scouts, the Elizabeth Key Club and the Board of Hispanic Caucus Chairs who were visiting elected officials from around the country.
Food donations for the sandwiches were provided by ShopRite, Supremo Supermarket, Michelino’s Restaurant, State Farm and Deep Foods.
“I can’t thank enough all the generous sponsors and volunteers who came together to help make this drive a success,” added Quijano. “I hope everyone will take the time to find out how they can get involved, not just in September, but every month of the year, to help fight the growing hunger problem around us.”
Quijano urged residents to get involved and help support Hunger Action Month by visiting: http://www.cfbnj.org/ham/.