Toms River Relief Center Helps Feed The Hungry This Christmas

With help from local volunteers and several Boy Scout troops, the People's Pantry Relief Center in Toms River will make Christmas brighter for over 400 families this year.

The Foodbank of Monmouth and Ocean Counties donated turkeys and the American Red Cross and members of the community provided everything from fresh produce and canned goods to mashed potatoes and pies, enough to feed 3,200 people – 400 families of eight.

About 100 volunteers, including numerous Boy Scout troops, worked all weekend around the Fischer Boulevard relief center, doling out boxes of food to needy families who pre-registered.

"The need is far from over," said Patricia Donahue, the executive director of People's Pantry. "The happiest day of my life will be when we can close our doors forever."

People's Pantry was founded by the township's school district in the wake of Superstorm Sandy and – in addition to food – offers long-term recovery for storm victims.

In addition to the thousands who will be able to enjoy a Christmas dinner, volunteers from Burlington County’s “Do it Duo for Pets” also helped stock the shelves with pet food and donated hundreds of treat bags for families with dogs and cats. The organization was started in the wake of the storm to help homeless pets.

"I’m grateful to the FoodBank that they are able to provide turkeys and other food items to our residents, but it’s sad that the need still exists in our area," said Mayor Thomas Kelaher, who joined volunteers on Sunday.