Buy a Pumpkin - Help Fight Hunger

The Presbyterian Church of Chatham Township invites the community to help fight hunger by buying a pumpkin. The church is kicking off its 12th year of selling pumpkins and colorful gourds on its front lawn at 240 Southern Boulevard in Chatham, with 100 percent of the “Pumpkin Patch” proceeds going to three worthy non-profit organizations:

The Community Soup Kitchen and Outreach Center in Morristown provides nutritious meals in a warm, safe and caring environment, free of charge, no questions asked. As part of its hospitality, the Soup Kitchen encourages and assists its guests in accessing community resources, services and educational programs. In 2016 it served more than 75,000 breakfasts and lunches and provided more than 475,000 pounds of food for guests to take home.

The Community FoodBank of New Jersey in Hillside fights hunger and poverty in New Jersey by assisting those in need and seeking long-term solutions. Last year the FoodBank distributed more than 56 million pounds of food to more than 1,000 community partners – like local soup kitchens, food pantries and shelters – that serve people in need in their neighborhoods.

Pumpkin Patch Fundraisers works cooperatively with the Navajo Nation in New Mexico to grow the pumpkins. It employs 700 Native Americans during harvest and others as staff during the year, which has a positive and lasting impact on a region with 42% unemployment.

The Pumpkin Patch will be open from Wednesday, Oct. 3, through Wednesday, Oct. 31. Hours of operations are:

Monday – Friday: 2-6 PM

Saturday, 10 AM-6 PM

Sunday, 11 AM-6 PM

Contributions also will be accepted.

Experts say that more than 41 million Americans are food insecure, meaning they don’t know if they have enough food to feed themselves and their families. More than 900,000 of those individuals live in New Jersey.

“The Pumpkin Patch is one way our congregation focuses on addressing hunger and need – locally, nationally and globally,” said The Rev. Tom Brown, associate pastor of the church. “The Patch is run entirely by volunteers and the church keeps none of the proceeds. We warmly invite the community to partner with us and help provide food and hope to those who are most vulnerable.”

The Presbyterian Church of Chatham Township is a vibrant, multi-generational congregation that celebrates the glory of God through faith, fellowship and service. Drawing members from three counties and more than 20 communities, it welcomes all, whether you are a young family, a single adult, or a couple with grown children. The congregation reflects diverse perspectives, provides rich music and education programs for all ages, and through social outreach addresses hunger, homelessness and recovery from disasters or other crises.

For more information, visit http://www.pcct-nj.org or call 973-635-2340.

# # #