JACKSON — The Friends of the Disabled, a volunteer committee consisting of members of the Mayor’s Commis-sion for the Disabled as well as community members, is looking for volunteers to assist in their fund-raising projects.
The purpose of the Friends, in addition to securing funds needed for special projects, is to work with commission members to increase awareness of the commission and assist in their educational and recreational programs throughout the year.
The commission, with the support of the Friends, serves disabled Jackson residents by providing a variety of activities as well as providing non-emergency medical transportation to residents and an equipment-lending program.
The commission also provides help and information to residents in finding the proper agency responsible in resolving specific problems.
The organization also sponsors a "Helping Hands Program," a weekly after-school recreational program, held during the school year, for children with disabilities. Activities include arts and crafts, cooking, games, movies and library visits.
Started in 1971, the Commission for the Disabled was the first organization of its kind in Ocean County to offer such a wide variety of programs for people with disabilities.
The Friends meet on the third Wednes-day of the month at the Jackson Senior Center on Don Connor Boulevard. Meet-ings begin at 8 pm (or immediately after the commission meeting). For more information about joining the Friends, call (732) 363-8758 or (732) 928-0254.