Feeding Those in Need
There are a number of organizations doing their part to help with the growing problem of feeding the hungry as many adults and children right in our own area struggle on a daily basis. You may not see them but they live in just about every town. They could even be your neighbors. Men and women, boys and girls for whom one meal a day is about as good as it gets.
This problem became an even bigger one following Superstorm Sandy and out of that came a unique group called If There Is A Need, We Will Feed. Their first events were providing Thanksgiving and Christmas dinners for the many police, fireman, military, first aid members and volunteers who helped rebuild the shore following that devastating storm.
Headed up by Toms River resident Cliff Baker, a restaurant consultant for Singer Equipment Company and well-known Chef Mike Jurusz of Chef Mike’s ABG they have expanded the outreach in recent years. They feed those in need at Thanksgiving and Christmas and have added Easter and a Summer Bar-B-Que with the later scheduled for Thursday, August 11th.
The BBQ will be prepared at Saint Barbara Greek Orthodox Church, who generously donates their facilities on a regular basis. Speaking of generous, Stop & Shop has donated all the hamburgers, hot dogs, rolls and cheese to feed 750 people and Cliff & Mike use their restaurant connections to get whatever else they need although they are still seeking individual bags of potato chips.
Another key member of the cooking team is Mark Cure of Cure Catering who will supply needed grills and staff to assist in the effort. The so-called “rock star” is Christine Hernandez of PNG Landscaping, the president of If There Is A Need, We Will Feed. She is the one who communicates with the local organizations and coordinates all the deliveries and pick-ups for next Thursday.
Of course they could use some volunteers to help on what will be a very busy day. If you share their vision that one meal might spark a little hope and happiness then visit their website…ifthereisaneedwewillfeed.weebly.com.
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