by Sean Ruppert, Staff Writer
When most people decide to donate to the local food bank, they usually think of giving canned goods, beverages, pastas and other foods.
However, the truth is that the need sometimes goes beyond just nourishment. Essentials, such as personal hygiene products, are also needed for those who are barely scraping by.
One local Boy Scout made it his mission to fill this need, and because of his summer-long efforts, he is one step closer to becoming an Eagle Scout.
As part of his Eagle Scout project, Timothy Monticchio, 14, created 261 care packages each filled with essential personal products. The Monmouth Junction teen collected the products through donations from members of St. Cecilia’s R.C. Church as well as the general community, and delivered the packages to the Social Services Food Pantry on Wednesday. The packages will be given to needy families during the holidays, according to Social Services Director LouAnne Wolf.
Timothy’s initial goal was to create about 175 packages.
”It is really amazing,” Timothy said. “It did get difficult, but now that it is done I am so happy with the way it turned out.”
Timothy filled each package with seven hygiene products — toothbrushes, toothpaste, shampoo, bar soap, laundry detergent, deodorant and body lotion. Some of the packages also include other items that also were donated.
Timothy, a member of Boy Scout Troop 10, said he wanted to do something for the community with his Eagle project.
”Most people do something architectural with their project, but I am not an architectural person,” he said. “So I called Ms. Wolf to see what I could do, and she suggested this.”
Timothy jumped headfirst into the project, beginning by speaking during Masses at St. Cecilia’s, and then collecting the products and monetary donations the next week. He also held collections at Pierre’s Restaurant on Georges Road and the township’s Senior Center, as well as soliciting donations from local businesses.
In addition to the product collections, he also organized a group of friends to help clean the pantry in early July.
Timothy’s dad, Greg Monticchio, said he is proud of his son’s civic-minded project.
”Tim had a general idea to help that community, and it was great,” Mr. Monticchio said. “When I look back on it, how this project helps other people, I am very happy.”
Timothy has now earned 48 merit badges, more than double the 21-badge minimum required to attain the Eagle rank. He has several steps to go before he can officially attain his Eagle, including a review of his project. He said he hopes to complete the process by early 2009.
Ms. Wolf said she is pleased with the way his project turned out.
”Timothy far exceeded our expectations,” she said. “This will get us through the holidays, and every family will get an amazing package.”
Use of the pantry has been up in every month this year, compared to the same time period in 2007. Ms. Wolf said that 40 families used the pantry in August, and 95 backpacks were given to local children for the start of school. In August 2007, the pantry was used by 33 families and gave away 53 backpacks to children in need.
She said that the pantry did not see 40 families in any month besides November and December in 2007, but has already seen more then 40 families in three different months in 2008.
The pantry is looking for donations of macaroni and cheese, cereal, hearty soups, coffee, pasta, canned vegetables, snack food, tuna and boxed baked goods.
Those interested in donating to the pantry can do so by bringing items to Social Services in the lower level of the Municipal Building on Ridge Road in Monmouth Junction. The department is open Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., however, donations can be made at any time in a bin outside the department’s office.
Monetary donations are also needed. Checks should be made out to the Human Intervention Trust Fund, and mailed to South Brunswick Township, P.O. Box 190, Monmouth Junction, N.J., 08852, Attention: Social Services. The fund is used to help those in need with one- time expenses, such as utility bills.

