$2K In Gift Cards Donated To Berkeley, Lacey Residents In Need

BERKELEY, NJ — It's a difficult time for people and businesses, but one group stepped up to help those in need around Berkeley, Lacey and Ocean Gate. A group of businesses from the area, who call themselves the "Bayville Boys Coalition," donated $2,200 in gift cards for the elderly and families in need.

Distribution took place Saturday at the Berkeley Township Recreation Center and the lot in Holiday City at Berkeley. The Township distributed emergency food kits for families affected by the new coronavirus, and the Coalition came to distribute gift cards.

"It was a humbling experience to watch as people drove in and showed their appreciation for a bag of groceries," said Jim Guido Giffoniello, who helped organize the effort.

Gift cards came from ShopRite, Walmart, Anthony's Pizzeria, Shady Rest, Stone Fire Grill, Caffrey's, The Anchor Inn, Bombshell Hair and Diesel's Subs.

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Ocean Pipe Works — Giffoniello's company — contributed $500 to the Fulfill Food Bank and made a $500 donation to Vetwork to provide food, clothes and shelter to veterans.

The Coalition is made up of Brendon Villano from Villano Plumbing and Heating, Mike Walsh and Brian Fitzgerald from Turfmasters, Jim Hannon from Bird Construction, Bill Meyer Electric, Jim Murray from Re/Max, Ted Zaremba from Ted's Well Service and Ocean Pipe Works. Several others also chipped in, including Tye Borel from Borel Docks, Carly Villano Thormann from Bomb Shell Hair and Beauty, Joe Berdetta, John Fosbre, Linda Jasmine and Mike McAleavy.

Berkeley Township recently partnered with Fulfill to provide "crisis" food kits for families in need during the coronavirus outbreak. The Township plans to distribute food again in the coming weeks and will announce details. Read more: Berkeley Partners With Org. To Provide Meals To Residents In Need

Read more: NJ Coronavirus Updates: Here's What You Need To Know

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