Post by admin on Nov 18, 2009 17:44:21 GMT -5
newstranscript.gmnews.com/news/2009/1118/front_page/011.html
Sanctuary program resumes in Freehold
FREEHOLD — A sanctuary program that provides breakfast and lunch for the working poor, families and immigrant laborers on Saturdays during the winter months will begin its sixth year on Nov. 21 serving lunch at the First Presbyterian Church, 118 W. Main St.
The program is a collaborative effort of the Latino Leadership Alliance of New Jersey (Monmouth Chapter) working in conjunction with a coalition of religious organizations, including the First Presbyterian Church, New Beginnings Agape Christian Center and the Reformed Church of Freehold, according to a press release.
A second location for Thursday or Friday mornings is being sought.
This year's program will be funded in large part by a grant from the Graeme Preston Foundation for Life, which donated $2,500 last spring.
"We are inspired by the generosity of the Preston family which has taken a great tragedy and turned the memory of their lost child into a gift for the community at large," said Ann Bagchi, co-chair of the sanctuary program.
As in the past, the sanctuary program will provide breakfast and lunch on Saturdays during the winter months to help families struggling to find work.
According to the directors of the program, there is great urgency this winter, as there was last year, because of the dramatic economic downturn across the state and nation.
This year's program will begin on Nov. 21 and operate until March 13, 2010. On the first five Saturdays breakfast and lunch will be served at the First Presbyterian Church. The program will then shift to the Reformed Church of Freehold, 67 W. Main St., in January and operate there until March 13. The program will begin at 7 a.m. and end at noon with breakfast and lunch provided at the churches.
"The economy remains unstable and we anticipate record attendance numbers again this year," said Sandra Whitehill, volunteer coordinator of the sanctuary program. "Because of our faith, it is our privilege to serve those in need and provide a place of comfort for those struggling to make a living. At the same time, we are giving our volunteers, many of them young people in the community, an opportunity to interact with people they might not otherwise meet."
The Rev. Ricky Pierce, executive director of the I Beseech Thee Community Development Corporation, said his organization is seeking contributions to fund the program.
"We are called to serve all of God's children. We pray this program will ease the suffering of those less fortunate and looking for a temporary escape from the cold."
Contributions for the program can be sent to the I Beseech Thee Community Development Corporation, 133 Throckmorton St., Freehold 07728. I Beseech Thee is the principal provider of funds for the sanctuary program, according to the press release.
Volunteers will be needed to staff the program and those interested should contact Sandra Whitehill. The First Presbyterian Church of Freehold provides many of the volunteers through its youth mission program, but people from the community are also encouraged to volunteer.
This year there will be a coat drive associated with the program and regular blood pressure screenings. A regular schedule of speakers is also planned, including representatives from Census 2010 and the Freehold Borough Police Department.
Sanctuary program resumes in Freehold
FREEHOLD — A sanctuary program that provides breakfast and lunch for the working poor, families and immigrant laborers on Saturdays during the winter months will begin its sixth year on Nov. 21 serving lunch at the First Presbyterian Church, 118 W. Main St.
The program is a collaborative effort of the Latino Leadership Alliance of New Jersey (Monmouth Chapter) working in conjunction with a coalition of religious organizations, including the First Presbyterian Church, New Beginnings Agape Christian Center and the Reformed Church of Freehold, according to a press release.
A second location for Thursday or Friday mornings is being sought.
This year's program will be funded in large part by a grant from the Graeme Preston Foundation for Life, which donated $2,500 last spring.
"We are inspired by the generosity of the Preston family which has taken a great tragedy and turned the memory of their lost child into a gift for the community at large," said Ann Bagchi, co-chair of the sanctuary program.
As in the past, the sanctuary program will provide breakfast and lunch on Saturdays during the winter months to help families struggling to find work.
According to the directors of the program, there is great urgency this winter, as there was last year, because of the dramatic economic downturn across the state and nation.
This year's program will begin on Nov. 21 and operate until March 13, 2010. On the first five Saturdays breakfast and lunch will be served at the First Presbyterian Church. The program will then shift to the Reformed Church of Freehold, 67 W. Main St., in January and operate there until March 13. The program will begin at 7 a.m. and end at noon with breakfast and lunch provided at the churches.
"The economy remains unstable and we anticipate record attendance numbers again this year," said Sandra Whitehill, volunteer coordinator of the sanctuary program. "Because of our faith, it is our privilege to serve those in need and provide a place of comfort for those struggling to make a living. At the same time, we are giving our volunteers, many of them young people in the community, an opportunity to interact with people they might not otherwise meet."
The Rev. Ricky Pierce, executive director of the I Beseech Thee Community Development Corporation, said his organization is seeking contributions to fund the program.
"We are called to serve all of God's children. We pray this program will ease the suffering of those less fortunate and looking for a temporary escape from the cold."
Contributions for the program can be sent to the I Beseech Thee Community Development Corporation, 133 Throckmorton St., Freehold 07728. I Beseech Thee is the principal provider of funds for the sanctuary program, according to the press release.
Volunteers will be needed to staff the program and those interested should contact Sandra Whitehill. The First Presbyterian Church of Freehold provides many of the volunteers through its youth mission program, but people from the community are also encouraged to volunteer.
This year there will be a coat drive associated with the program and regular blood pressure screenings. A regular schedule of speakers is also planned, including representatives from Census 2010 and the Freehold Borough Police Department.