EAST BRUNSWICK–Seeking to spread Christmas cheer for families in need, the Department of Recreation and Parks, along with the Interfaith Clergy Council, are holding a holiday gift card drive.
As of January of this year, the recreation department no longer maintains a food pantry on-site at its recreation and parks office. Clients have transitioned to Aldersgate Outreach Community Center located on Ryders Lane, according to information provided by the department.
“We are hosting a holiday gift card drive for the December holidays with all proceeds going to Aldersgate Outreach Community Center,” said Jill Veit, Department of Recreation executive assistant. “Our East Brunswick residents and East Brunswick school families that receive their services will benefit from these donations and will be able to have the option to either purchase food items or gifts for their children/families for the winter holidays.”
Veit said the Interfaith Clergy Council is a collaboration of multiple faiths/religions which covers a large part of the community.
Aldersgate Outreach offers East Brunswick residents a better opportunity to maintain food stability for their families. Families are able to obtain food on a weekly basis including many items we were not equipped to stock at our office, according to information provided.
Veit said the main goal for the gift card drive is to provide assistance to as many families in need within the community.
“This year, we expect the need for holiday help to increase significantly due to the pandemic. Your support will help keep many of these families on track without having to worry about how they will make the holidays happen this year,” Veit said. “The holidays are a great time to donate gift cards because of the growing needs and the spirit of the holiday season.”
Veit said gift cards to Target or Walmart in denominations of $5, $10 or $20 can be mailed to the department’s office at 334 Dunhams Corner Road, or can be left in the drop box attached to the building near the entrance. Donations will be collected through Nov. 23.
Also, the food pantry continues to accept non-perishable food items at the box truck located at the department’s office parking lot on Dunhams Corner Road.
“If the back of the truck isn’t open, please feel free to open the door and place your donation inside. Food donations will be donated to Aldersgate Outreach Community Center for assistance in serving our East Brunswick families,” Veit said.
When donating a gift card, mark Attn: Jill Veit on the envelope.
For more information, visit www.eastbrunswick.org/249/Recreation-Parks.
Contact Vashti Harris at [email protected].