Nonperishable items are being collected in East Windsor and Hightstown for the Community Action Service Center’s second annual January food drive.
By: Lauren Burgoon
HIGHTSTOWN The Community Action Service Center will hold its annual food drive this month to collect items for local families in need in Hightstown and East Windsor.
"When people are living in destitution and hunger it diminishes the quality of life in the whole community," said Lydia Santoni-Williams, executive director of the Community Action Service Center.
The center is counting on the altruism of borough and township residents again this year to collect donations for the center’s clients, 95 percent of whom fall below the federal poverty level with an income of $18,000 a year for a family of four, according to Ms. Santoni-Williams. She said food donation is especially important at this time of year when donation levels may diminish.
"Around the holidays there is a generous spirit of giving but we need to remember that there is still a need all year," Ms. Santoni-Williams said.
The generosity of Hightstown and East Windsor residents last year resulted in enough food to last until spring, according to Ms. Santoni-Williams. "We are fortunate to get support" from the community, she said.
The Community Action Service Center has been operating for 37 years. This is the second annual January food drive, according to Ms. Santoni-Williams. It is also the second year the center is teaming up with the mayors of East Windsor and Hightstown to sponsor the drive. Ms. Santoni-Williams said the partnership is meaningful because the center serves clients from the township and borough.
The food drive is for nonperishable items, such as beans, rice, canned meat and vegetables, crackers and boxed milk and juice. The center also will accept baby items, such as jarred baby foods and diapers.
Donations can be dropped off at the Hightstown municipal building, the East Windsor municipal and police buildings and the District 2 East Windsor Rescue Squad in Twin Rivers. The food drive is from Jan. 1-31.