Six PBA members and two of their children stood outside the ShopRite Saturday and gathered a bus load of food for the township food bank.
By: Melissa Edmond
Six police officials from the Police Benevolent Association, Local 205, and two of their children stood outside the ShopRite in front of Nelson’s Corner Shopping Center on Saturday collecting donations to help local families in need.
They managed to gather a bus load of food for the township food bank with their efforts.
"We were really excited about the turnout and the participation of the customers," said Detective Rob Fariello, an organizer of the event. "One out of every two customers that went into the ShopRite donated."
Detective Fariello said Detective John Carney, Sgt. Mark Besser, Sgt. Fran Mozgai, Dispatcher Ken Burlew and Officer Chris Weckeman helped with the food drive.
He said they wanted to thank the customers who participated and ShopRite for their help in filling the bus, which was donated by Frank D. Valcheck Inc.
"This is our second year doing the food drive. It’s something we’ll continue to do," Detective Fariello said.
The food bank, which has been in existence for over 20 years and operates throughout the year, relies on the support of the Hillsborough community like the local PBA for all of its food donations to assist families.
But as Social Services Director Mary Ellen Stahley noted, donations are just as vital to the bank in the coming months as in December.
"For the holidays people do come and give us a lot of food but in January and February the donations of food drop sharply even though the need is still there. We need donations now and throughout the year," she said.
Ms. Stahley said canned meats and stews, hearty soups, tuna fish and cereal are especially needed. The food bank accepts nonperishable food, paper products, over-the-counter medications, cleaning supplies and pet food.
Donations can be dropped off at the Social Services Department in the Municipal Building at 379 South Branch Road.
Ms. Stahley said they get donations from churches, schools, the sScouts, civic organizations, and individuals who walk in with a few bags of food. She said the local PBA also helped the food bank with a large food drive on Saturday.
"Many of the families we serve have one or more adults working but the wages that they earn do not cover all of their expenses. Most are living in apartments with high rents along with all of the expenses associated with raising children," Ms. Stahley said. "We also assist a number of senior citizens who own their homes but find it difficult to meet expenses while living on a fixed income."
The food bank currently aids approximately 80 local families. Anyone interested in being helped should contact Ms. Stahley at 908-369-3880 or visit the Social Services Department to fill out a short application.

