West Orange Police and Fire Provide 100 Turkeys to Food Pantry for Thanksgiving

From the Holy Trinity-West Orange Food Pantry:

WEST ORANGE, NJ - The West Orange Police and Fire Departments came through in a big way for the Holy Trinity-West Orange Food Pantry by donating 100 turkeys for Thanksgiving.

Pantry volunteer Chris Babinski, a dispatcher at the West Orange Police Department, contacted the West Orange PBA and the FMBA to ask for their help. The response was immediate and affirmative.

On Nov. 3, members of the WOPD PBA and WOFD FMBA met with Babinski and Food Pantry Administrator Cynthia Cumming to present the checks for what will amount to 100 turkeys, or 50 turkeys apiece.

“We have had a very rough year for donations and food,” said Cumming, “and the generosity of police and fire guarantees that we will have turkeys for most of our current clients.”

“So far this year organizations that normally help us with Thanksgiving side items have not contacted us or are struggling themselves," she continued, "and that puts a financial burden on us to try and purchase everything. Our funds are dwindling.”

During November, many people just show up at the food pantry looking for turkeys. Cumming explained they will take non-members’ information and contact them as additional turkeys from the West Orange community come in.

A West Orange resident and pantry supporter, Barry Geltzeiler, has helped the past few years by collecting turkeys around town. It has helped the pantry to provide turkeys to everyone that asked for one.”

Last year the pantry distributed over 200 turkeys to the needy in the community.

Trimmings and side items are also needed. These items include stuffing, mashed potatoes, sweet potatoes, cranberry sauce, gravy, canned vegetables and cake and brownie mixes.

The food pantry is located at 315 Main Street next to Washington School. (Enter through the red door on the Franklin Avenue side of the building.) Guild Hall is to the left. The food pantry will be open in November on Nov. 15, 18, 22 and 23 from9:00 am – 1:00 pm and Nov. 21 from 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm. Donations may also be dropped off during Thrift Shop hours, Thursdays from 10:00 am – 3:00 pm and Saturdays from 10:00 am – 1:00 pm.

Contact Cynthia Cumming at heidlercumming@aol.com, cell 201-341-9217. Checks can be made payable to the Holy Trinity-West Orange Food Pantry.

Image via the Holy Trinity-West Orange Food Pantry