Shopping spree helps out needy
families in Lacey area
By CHRIS LUNDY
Staff Writer
LACEY -- The High School Interact Club and the
Forked River Rotary Club plan to team up to offer the increasing
number of needy families with all the makings for a merry Christmas.
Throughout the year, the Rotary Club makes contact
with families who are in need, then collects money to help them out.
There were 390 children from over 100 families. About 125 more
children were added to the lists this year, Rotary Club organizer
Bruce Halliday said. "People are very overwhelmed that an
organization can help out that much," he said.
Times-Beacon photo by Ann Marie Donato
Bill Whitson of Lacey hands out donations to other Forked
River Rotary volunteers intended for needy families in the
area. |
Last week, 43 members of the Interact Club shopped at
the Target in Toms River for a few hours. They were given children's
ages and in some cases, want lists. They packed shopping carts full of
toys for the families they were assigned. On more private occasions,
each member of the Rotary took at least one family. Some members
shopped for as many as 15 children, Halliday said.
The presents were given unwrapped, but with rolls of
wrapping paper so that parents could approve of the gifts.
Each family received a five pound ham, as well as
provisions such as cereal, pasta, soup and coffee. If there were
babies and toddlers in the family, baby food and diapers for the
appropriate age was also given. Most of the food came from donation
barrels at ShopRite.
High school students took about two hours on
Saturday making up food baskets, Interact advisor Julianne Pignatora
said. Much of the food was stored at Eastport Realty before it was
brought to the distribution headquarters at the Captain's Inn.
Stockings sewn by student Allyson McKay were hung in
each homeroom with ages of specific children listed. Toys, candy
canes, coloring books and crayons were given by students and teachers.
She then collected them all and stuffed them at home.
The high school students and the Rotarians went out
in teams to deliver the goods to the families. A student is the one
who actually brings it to the home. "This is where it all comes
together. Today they see the bigger picture," Pignatora said.
"It is time for us to give back to those less
fortunate," said Jamie Cerino, 17, helping out with the
distribution.
"It brings holiday spirit to those who need a
better Christmas," said Jessica Schlueter, 16.
Any extra gifts left over were saved for the Lacey
Area Holiday Friendship Dinner, Halliday said.
Chris Lundy: (609) 978-4541 or clundy@app.com
Published in the Times Beacon Newspapers
12/17-18/03