By Mary Ellen Day, Special Writer
Even though it was a rainy Saturday, the Caritas Ministries’ food drive was successful.
The drive was held for five hours at Quick Chek with additional drop-offs at other businesses, including Hair House International, Bucky’s and Manville Pizza.
The Caritas ministry was formed in October by members of Christ the King and Sacred Heart churches.
”We are currently feeding 64 people in Manville,” said Barbara Demchak, a member of the ministry. “We collect nonperishable food, cash and gift cards and distribute to families in need who reside in Manville.”
Ms. Demchak stood outside Quick Chek with volunteers and Key Club members from Manville High School collecting food as patrons donated items from soup to monetary donations. One patron put a $100 bill into the jar, according to Ms. Demchak.
”We collected 23 bags of food, $320 in cash and $30 in Quick Chek gift cards,” she said. “This will be used to help the families and also add something to their Easter meals. We also received $100 from the Manville PBA for our drive.”
Ms. Demchak was grateful to the store and manager Tracey Ferrullo for being a part of the food drive.
”I would like to thank Quick Chek and their customers for supporting our drive and helping to feed Manville families,” she said. “I think that I get more out of this ministry than the people we are helping. The thank-yous and hugs are awesome”
Christ the King School preschoolers and kindergarten students counted to their 100th day of school and collected 100 items of food for the food drive.
As a reminder from Ms. Demchak, Sacred Heart and Christ the King run food drives at their churches the first weekend of the month. Food can be left in the vestibules of the church. To make a donation, drop it off at the parish office at South 2nd Avenue. Those in need may contact the parish office, which will contact Ms. Demchak.

