South Edison Community Association seeks volunteers, hosts food drive for Hands of Hope Food Pantry

EDISON – The South Edison Community Association (SECA) is mobilizing volunteers to deliver groceries to local homebound senior citizens, veterans and people with disabilities who are sheltering-in-place during the novel coronavirus crisis.

This is the first of several projects SECA, a non-profit community group, is undertaking this year.

“We are neighbors helping neighbors,” said Anthony Russomanno, association president. “Right now, some of our most vulnerable neighbors need help shopping for groceries.”

The group is hosting a non-perishable food drive to benefit Hands of Hope Food Pantry at St. James Episcopal Church, 2136 Woodbridge Ave., Edison during the pandemic.

Russomanno said the South Edison-based food pantry faces a greater need from local families for canned fruits, vegetables, soups, sauces, tuna, and boxed cereals, pasta and rice.

SECA will also conduct a campaign encouraging more Edison residents to end their use of single-use plastic bags. The association is giving away reusable nylon bags to the first 1,000 area residents who join the group.

Among its other volunteer services, SECA advises homeowners about municipal land-use and zoning regulations; helps them navigate the township’s and county’s menu of services; organizes volunteers for neighborhood cleanups and beautification projects; and builds ramps for needy seniors and people with the disabilities.

In addition to Russomanno, SECA’s volunteer executive board includes vice president Dawn Santana; legal advisers Michael Lombardi and Bhavani Tara Shah; infrastructure adviser Jeffery Reeves; land use adviser Leonard Sendelsky; and community organizer Rajesh Patel.

Volunteers for grocery deliveries must be 18 years old or older, have a valid driver’s license and car insurance. To volunteer or join SECA call 732-261-7172 or email [email protected].

For more information, visit www.SouthEdisonCommunityAssociation.com.