Burlington County Man Raises $750 For Virtua Workers

BURLINGTON COUNTY, NJ — When the coronavirus pandemic hit, Rowan College at Burlington County’s Radio Operations Manager turned his woodworking passion into a philanthropic cause.

Jason Varga, a member of the college’s community for more than 20 years, ended up raising $750 for Virtua healthcare workers on the front lines battling the coronavirus.

Varga began his foray into woodworking with a desire to create a rustic, wooden American flag to honor his father who served in the Air Force, according to the college.

This project quickly led him down a rabbit hole of woodworking craft projects. As he posted his work to social media, his friends encouraged him to sell his pieces.

“I wasn't comfortable taking people's money during COVID, especially while I was still sharpening my skills, but then a light bulb went off,” Varga said. “I could sell my pieces with all proceeds supporting a local business, while simultaneously benefiting frontline workers. I ended up using the money earned to order catering packages from Waller's Deli in Tabernacle to deliver to healthcare workers at Virtua.”

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Varga smashed his goal of raising $250 by raising $750, helping to feed over 200 healthcare workers at Virtua Voorhees, Mount Holly and Mount Laurel.

“It was such a great experience of giving back and even some friends and family just donated money for the cause without wanting artwork,” Varga said. “The healthcare workers were extremely grateful for everyone's generosity, as well as the amazing food from Waller's Deli. I don't know if it made an impact, but it made an impression in our community, and I was just trying to shine a little more light into the universe during these dark times the country is experiencing.”

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