EDITORIAL: Replenish fund to assist those in need

Local help once again needed

   The township Division of Social Services once again needs the community’s help.
   Its Human Intervention Trust Fund — which it uses to assist families in emergency situations with heating, electric, doctor and insurance bills — is far below the level necessary to cover its expected expenses in 2007.
   According to the Social Services officials, there was about $46,000 in the fund at the beginning of 2006, all but $200 of which ended up being spent this year. So far, it has raised about $25,000 — not nearly enough to replenish the account.
   The fund was in a similar situation last year at this time — there was about $7,000 in the fund at the beginning of December 2005 — but a rush of donors during December filled its coffers and ensured that everyone seeking assistance got the help they needed.
   That’s why we are asking local residents and businesses to come through again. And it’s why we’re renewing our call for the Township Council to include a small trust-fund donation in its 2007 budget. Doing so will help create a more stable source of funding while also offering a tangible example of how important the community believes the trust fund is.
   The trust fund and township-run Food Pantry help several hundred families over the course of the year. Some of these families are chronically in need, while others have just been caught at the wrong end of an economic or medical catastrophe, forced to ask for help they otherwise might not seek.
   A healthy trust fund helps offset some of these calamities, giving people in temporary need a chance to get back on their feet.
   To donate, mail checks made payable to the South Brunswick Human Intervention Trust Fund to P.O. Box 190, Monmouth Junction, N.J. 08852. Mark the envelope: Attention LouAnne Wolf or Social Services.

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   Food donations also are needed by the township’s Food Pantry, which also is run by Social Services. The pantry needs: macaroni and cheese; Parmalat; canned meat such as stew, chili and Chef Boyardee products; jelly; and tuna fish.
   Food can be dropped off at the pantry today (Thursday) or Friday this week (the pantry will be closed between Christmas and New Year’s). Dropoffs also can be made at the library on Kingston Lane or the Community Center in Woodlot Park on New Road. Please check expiration dates before donating.