As the South Brunswick Food Pantry continues to need donations to keep up with an increase in demand during the holidays, a local gym is doing its part to be of service, according to Director of Social Servi
By Jennifer M. Larkin, Special Writer
As the South Brunswick Food Pantry continues to need donations to keep up with an increase in demand during the holidays, a local gym is doing its part to be of service, according to Director of Social Services, LouAnne Wolfe.
The CrossFit Primeval Gym, located at 335 New Road, Suite 19, in Monmouth Junction, is teaming up with the South Brunswick Food Pantry this holiday season for its first Annual Food Drive.
”It’s important for us to give back to the community and we feel fortunate to be able to do so,” Owner Jay Jairdullo, whom is also a township police officer, said.
The pantry was happy when Mr. Jairdullo contacted them, Ms. Wolf said.
”Each year the pantry is giving out food faster than it’s taking it in,” she said. “(There are) still 100 baskets of food needed to be filled by Christmas.”
According to Ms. Wolf, this year’s total figure of assisted familes already exceeds last year’s in advance of the holiday by 14 families.
Of the 237 having already been adopted out by local businesses, schools, and individuals, 140 are families with children, and 97 without kids.
”The need is never ending,” Ms. Wolf said, “It’s always wonderful when people partner with us, especially because we have more families in need than we’ve ever had.”
CrossFit Primeval offers an all-inclusive strengthening program that is perfect for any committed individual regardless of experience, according to Mr. Jairdullo.
”The goals of our gym are to improve people’s lives,” he said. “The food drive is another opportunity to do just that.”
Even with the help of businesses, sports teams, community groups and individual citizens, the pantry still needs coffee, canned meats, snack foods, and gift cards, Ms. Wolf said.
The CrossFit food drive was a collaborative effort, according to Mr. Jairdullo.
Gym manager, Brandon Densmore and dedicated member Melissa Bilyeu joined forces to help spread awareness in support of the event, Mr. Jairdullo said.
Donations are being accepted at CrossFit Primeval through today between the hours of 5:30 p.m. to 9 p.m., according to Mr. Jairdullo.
Contributions are also being accepted at the pantry in the Municipal Complex, Monday through Friday, between 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., according to Ms. Wolf.