Large fresh produce donation services 8 Union County communities

On Wednesday, April 8, 2020, Amazon Logistics in Avenel New Jersey distribution center donated 12 pallets of fresh produce to United Way of Greater Union County (UWGUC). UWGUC mobilized its community partners and city officials across Union County to provide fresh produce for Union County residents amidst the Coronavirus pandemic.

“The Coronavirus is having a significant impact on all of us and what we’re seeing is that people are struggling to meet their families basic needs, including food,” said James W. Horne, President and CEO at United Way of Greater Union County. “Because of Amazon’s support at this most crucial time, we were able to provide fresh produce to 8 communities and we are grateful for their support in this initiative,” he added.

“We will be giving out cartons of food with items that will hopefully produce multiple meals for our families for several days. It is because of yours and the staff of United Way that we are able to do this. Thank you all from the bottom of my heart”, said Mayor Christine Dansereau, Roselle N.J.

Mayor Raymond A. Giacobbe Jr., of Rahway, facilitated the use of the parking lot at the Hamilton Stage Union County Performing Arts Center in Rahway where UWGUC coordinated with city officials and nonprofit organizations from in Hillside, Union Township, Rahway, Elizabeth, Summit, Plainfield, Linden, and Roselle to pick up the food donations and distribute it within their communities.

Each week, the need for financial support in response to individuals losing their jobs and unexpected financial crisis is growing. In March, United Way of Greater Union County established the UWGUC COVID19 Emergency Fund to assist individuals financially impacted by COVID19 due to loss of wages or who incurred debt as a result of the pandemic. The fund seeks to assist individuals in Union County, South Plainfield, and North Plainfield disproportionately affected by COVID19, primarily in underserved and economically disadvantaged communities. For more information and to donate to the UWGUC COVID19 Emergency Fund, please visit uwguc.org/covid19.

About United Way of Greater Union County

United Way of Greater Union County fights for the health, education, financial stability and family strengthening of every person in Union County, NJ. We provide critical resources to children and families supporting 39 nonprofit organizations and funding 5 programs. For nearly a century, United Way of Greater Union County has proven to be a pre-eminent community based leader, partner and investment choice in these communities.