Parsippany's Gourmet Cafe To Hold Fundraiser For Injured Sanitation Worker

PARSIPPANY, NJ — A local Italian eatery is rallying beside the family of a Parsippany garbage man who lost his leg while on the job.

Gourmet Cafe, located at 136 Baldwin Road, says it will donate ten percent of all of its sales on Monday to Anthony Shandra and his family.

In April, police were called to the area of Vail Road and Arnold Drive on reports of an accident involving a garbage truck.

Authorities found that a sanitation worker, later identified as 48-year-old Shandra, was loading trash into the rear of the truck when a Nissan Altima struck him, according to police.

The Nissan, driven by a 29-year-old man, caused Shandra to be pinned between the vehicles, crushing him, police said.

No criminal charges have been filed against the Nissan driver at this time, police say.

First responders rendered life-saving care to Shandra, and he was rushed to Morristown Medical Center to undergo emergency surgery for "severe injuries to his lower extremities."

Officials say Shandra lost his leg as a result of the collision.

Now, the community is rallying beside the sanitation worker in several different capacities.

A GoFundMe launched to support his family has raised more than $83,000 as of Friday afternoon.

Additionally, Shandra's union is hosting a spaghetti dinner fundraiser in September to assist Shandra and his family.

Furthermore, the township has rallied by Shandra's side, with Mayor Pulkit Desai riding along with the sanitation crew to get a better idea of the job and its safety measures, while advocating for the Vision Zero initiative, a "comprehensive roadway safety program focused on engineering, enforcement, education, and community engagement."

Now, the 19-year-old Italian eatery is lending a hand. The BYOB establishment offers traditional Italian delights, including Broccoli Rabe and Sausage, Orecchiette Carbonara, Pistachio Gelato Truffle, and plenty more.

It has won several awards and accolades, including a highlight in America’s Best Restaurants and a 5-star rating from The Talk Awards.

Additionally, Gourmet Cafe was nominated by Patch readers as the 2020 Business of the Year, highlighting its triumphs during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Read More: Parsippany Restaurant Celebrates 18 Years Of Serving Its Community