St. Joseph's Catholic Church, Toms River Announces Plans to Expand Parish Food Pantry to Meet the Growing Demands of the Community

Ever since Superstorm Sandy hit the Jersey Shore, St. Joseph’s Roman Catholic Church has been responding to the needs of many in our local community. They provided emergency housing on the parish property for as many as 24 people, while their homes were being rebuilt or other living arrangements could be found.

Since Sandy, the demand has risen dramatically to provide food for those in need. The Church’s food pantry, currently housed in the basement of the Parish Office, is staffed by caring and nurturing volunteers who consistently work to assist over 700 families/clients each month. “Due to an alarming increase in demand,” Pastor, Fr. Scott Shaffer announced plans to move and expand the food pantry’s operations to another building on the church’s campus, which “will provide easy access on grade to clients in a more modern facility.”

To help offset the expense, St. Joseph’s Church is hosting a benefit concert on Thursday, March 19, 2015. The famous and very talented Irish Tenor, Ronan Tynan will perform from 7:00 -9:00 PM with doors opening at 6:00 PM. Premium Seating ($100 per ticket), General Admission ($55 per ticket), and Balcony Seating ($25 per ticket) are offered through www.RonanTynanInConcert.eventbrite.com. Donations can also be made through the website or by mailing them directly to St. Joseph’s Church, 685 Hooper Ave., Toms River, NJ 08753. Individuals and/or companies interested in event sponsorships may call the Parish Office at 732-349-0018.

“St. Joseph’s Church is, ‘where we live, serve, and walk together in faith,’ our motto that we keep alive and reach out to the community 24/7,” stated Shaffer.