By Diane Blaszka
December 20, 2013 n Hamilton, NJ n Boxes of donated coats and baskets of donated food filled the Hamilton, NJ, offices of Interfaith Caregivers of Greater Mercer County (ICGMC) this month, as staff and volunteers worked with local donors and agency partners to ensure a brighter holiday season for those in need.
An ICGMC coat drive resulted in the collection of 69 coats, 9 scarves and dozens of hats, gloves, sweaters and jeans that were passed along to Trenton Ecumenical Area Ministry (TEAM) to distribute throughout the community. Special thanks to Molina Medical Supply Company, West Windsor Plainsboro Youth Group and ICGMC volunteers for their donations.
Additionally, volunteers and staff worked in assembly-line fashion to assemble 33 baskets of fresh fruits, nuts, cupcakes, candy, and grocery store gift cards — made possible by donations from the FISH Foundation, Inc., Operation Cupcake and ICGMC Project Healthy Bones volunteers. ICGMC care receivers who requested a bit of extra support over the holidays were the grateful recipients.
“Heartfelt efforts like this are a natural extension of Interfaith Caregiver’s overall caregiving mission,” says Executive Director Jane Latini. “It is a blessing to be able to provide people with an extra bit of warmth n both literally and figuratively — during the holidays.”
About Interfaith Caregivers of Greater Mercer County
Interfaith Caregivers of Greater Mercer County (ICGMC) is a volunteer-powered nonprofit organization that serves hundreds of homebound elderly and people with disabilities through its Neighbors Helping Neighbors program each year. In 2013, ICGMC volunteers from more than 25 interdenominational churches provided more than 12,000 hours of free caregiving services to close to 400 Mercer County seniors and people with disabilities. Services included friendly home visiting, phone calls and respite care; transportation to medical and other appointments; administration and clerical assistance; shopping; indoor chores (paperwork, light housekeeping and meal preparation); outdoor chores, home repairs; and health and wellness education. ICGMC also sponsors Project Healthy Bones, a wellness program that educates participants on the importance of exercise, nutrition, safety, drug therapy and lifestyle factors as they relate to osteoporosis. To request services, volunteer and/or donate to Interfaith Caregivers of Greater Mercer County, visit www.icgmc.org or call 609-393-9922.
