Thank you, South Brunswick

LouAnne Wolf and Jeanne Wert, Social Services
“Charity Begins at Home” is our motto here and the community of South Brunswick truly proved that this past holiday season. Every year for over 30 years this township has helped those less fortunate to enjoy a wonderful holiday season. This year again with the help of some truly incredible volunteers, we sorted and packed food and gifts for 134 families and 60 individuals/families without children. Our volunteers worked tirelessly since early November. At Thanksgiving time we helped 162 families and individuals with food as well. Our volunteers and little elves all know who you are and Jeanne and I know that you did it from your heart and were happy to help. We are so blessed to have the wonderful people we do in this community who want to give back by volunteering.
   People were more than generous. When word went out in the local newspapers and throughout the community via e-mails that our pantry was near empty several times throughout the holiday season, within the week our pantry was back to having its shelves filled. We thank all of you who participated in one way or another. We can not thank you enough.
   Our schools are an incredible source of pride in South Brunswick. You do so much in support of us and those we serve. Every school collects food for us at the holidays and often throughout the school year as well. I want to thank all the schools that so graciously participated in our Adopt-a-Family Program, you did better than we could have hoped for.
   We also want to thank all of the churches, synagogues, local businesses, organizations and individuals who adopted families as well. There are too many to mention, another reason for being proud to live in South Brunswick.
   Thank you, thank you, thank you! We truly could not do this program without you.
   A special thank you goes out to those units at both Crossroads North and South, one who did a penny war and the other who held a book fair, both of which donated their proceeds to our Human Intervention Fund.
   Jeanne and I also want to thank the two coordinators of the Salvation Army Kettle drive, Frank Gramieri and Jen Vogel. Countless hours were put in preparing and organizing bell ringers. They worked non-stop for four weekends in a row. At the time of this letter I do not know the total raised, but we thank you for all of your efforts, we know what a huge undertaking this is. We also want to thank everyone who volunteered by ringing the bell from council members, township staff, students and the general public. All money donated stays right here in South Brunswick and are administered by our staff as needed in emergencies.
   We want to extend our thanks to Victory Packaging in Dayton for their continued support of what we do. They provide boxes and tape all year long to the food pantry.
   Our programs could not run without the support of the Township Council, township staff, and most importantly the Public Works Department. We also want to thank the departments within the township that adopted families. We thank you.
   And finally we want to thank the South Brunswick Post for supporting us all year long by getting the word out for us.
   Wishing you all a happy, healthy, safe and peaceful New year.
LouAnne Wolf
Jeanne Wert
Social Services