Woodbridge - There's Still Time To Participate In This Year's 'Have-A-Heart' Food Drive

By the Township of Woodbridge

Mayor John E. McCormac announced the kick-off of the 2015 Valentine’s Day “Have-A-Heart” Food Drive Challenge - sponsored by Wegman’s, ShopRite, Northfield Bank, the Colonia Business Community (CBC),
and the Colonia-Woodbridge Corner.

The “Have-A-Heart” food drive challenges Township corporate offices and businesses, retail food service outlets and hospitality industry, and residents to donate 214 pounds of food or contribute $214 to assist Woodbridge-based food pantries continue their work providing food and meals to less fortunate residents and the homeless. The 2015 “Have-A-Heart” food drive ends on Valentine’s Day - Feb. 14, 2015 (hence the 2/14 challenge.)

“As we enter the New Year, let’s not forget that there are many less fortunate families throughout Woodbridge Township that need special help each and every day, not just during the holidays. One of the most important missions I have embraced as Mayor is trying to raise public awareness about the need to continually seek donations to keep the Township’s food pantries stocked throughout the year. We in Woodbridge recognize that hunger knows no season and no boundary. And, our Township knows that it is crucial to work every day to collect food and supplies so we can help provide the necessities of life to our neighbors who might otherwise go hungry,” said Mayor McCormac.

Since 1995, the annual “Have-a-Heart” food drive - launched each January under the sponsorship of the
Woodbridge Department of Health & Human Services and the “We Feed Woodbridge” Food Bank
Committee - has become the most important community program undertaken throughout the entire year.

The “Have-A-Heart” food drive is coordinated by Peter Barcellona, Chairman, of the “We Feed
Woodbridge” Food Bank Committee. All you need to do is give Peter a call at 732-855-0600 x5034 and
tell him where and when to pick up a donation – 214 pounds of food or $214 - and volunteers will come
directly to your location… it’s that easy!

Or, you can deliver 214 pounds of non-perishable food items to the Woodbridge Township Public Health Center (2 George Frederick Plaza) or the Woodbridge Community Center (600 Main Street) anytime between 9:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. Monday thru Friday.

Financial contributions (payable to “We Feed Woodbridge”) can also be dropped-off at the Health Center or mailed directly to the Woodbridge Department of Health & Human Services, c/o We Feed Woodbridge,
2 George Frederick Plaza, Woodbridge, NJ 07095.

The 2014 “Have-A-Heart” Food Drive Challenge netted $33,500.00 and more than 21,000 pounds of nonperishable foods – let’s see if we can best that challenge this year! Every store, business,
businessperson, and resident that participates in the 2015 “Have-A-Heart” Food Drive Challenge will be
recognized by the Township Administration and Municipal Council at an upcoming public meeting.

“This year, we’re again asking Woodbridge Township businesses and residents to lend an even bigger...and more generous hand. Don’t delay!!! We need your help now! The cupboards are nearly bare! I know we can count on our Township businesses, businesspersons and residents to lend a hand. Pleasegive us a call today at 732-855-0600 x5034… you’ll be glad you did… and we’ll be better able to assist our neighbors and friends in their time of need,” said Mayor McCormac.