FREEHOLD — The 12th year of the sanctuary program, which provides breakfast and lunch for the homeless, working poor and families during the winter months, began on Dec. 19 with breakfast and lunch being served at the First United Methodist Church, 91 W. Main St.
Every Saturday through March 12, the program will offer breakfast and lunch from 7 a.m. to noon. Breakfast will be offered every Friday at the Methodist Church beginning Jan. 8 and ending on March 11, from 7-10 a.m.
“We offer a warm meal and a respite from the cold for our working poor neighbors during the winter months when work is scarce,” said Ann Bagchi, co-coordinator of the program. “The program serves between 150 and 200 meals a week for those who find themselves a few meals short of a full stomach.”
The sanctuary program relies on donations from local residents and businesses, said Bagchi, who noted that all persons involved are volunteers. Monetary donations and gift cards to local supermarkets to purchase ingredients are especially welcome, she said.
Sandra Whitehill, coordinator of volunteers for the program, said the program relies on the kind hearts of volunteers in the community to step forward to make a difference in the lives of those who need a helping hand.
“We have a loyal core of good souls who have served for many years, but it is heartwarming to see people hearing about the program for the first time and being ready, willing and able to help. Service to others enriches our community and changes those who serve,” Whitehill said.
The sanctuary program was founded in 2003 by the Latino Coalition and the New Beginnings Agape Christian Center, Freehold. It has since blossomed into a collaborative effort that includes participation by the First United Methodist Church, the First Presbyterian Church and the Reformed Church, all of Freehold, according to a press release.
Financial sponsors include the Latino Coalition, the I Beseech Thee Community Development Corporation, the Graeme Preston Foundation for Life and the Reformed Church. Food donations are provided by Battleview Orchards, Bagel World and Dunkin Donuts.
In addition to meals, the sanctuary program provides visitors with blood pressure screenings and HIV/AIDS testing, and a variety of speakers who provide community information about a wide range of topics.
Contributions to the sanctuary program may be sent to the Rev. Ricky Pierce, executive director of the I Beseech Thee Community Development Corporation, 133 Throckmorton St., Freehold, NJ 07728. To volunteer, call Sandra Whitehill at 732-863- 7395.