South Brunswick Donations Leave Social Services 'Speechless'

South Brunswick's Social Services Department was hoping to at least match last year's record total during the Feinstein Foundation's annual "Challenge to Fight Hunger."

But at the culmination of the two-month challenge, the final tally left the department in awe. South Brunswick residents and businesses donated a total of $55,187.05 in monetary donations, and 30,875 food items to smash last year's record.

With each food item considered a $1 donation by the foundation, the challenge total came in at $86,062.05.

"We're just speechless at the amount donated," said Social Services Director LouAnne Wolf. "Two weeks ago I said I'd be happy with $74,000, after we got about $70,000 last year. Then we kept growing during the final days, with so many people doing last minute food drives that we weren't expecting. This is becoming a regular thing for people now between March and April, which is really awesome to see, especially in this economy."

Each year, from March 1 through April 30, the Feinstein Foundation's Challenge to Fight Hunger asks anti-hunger agencies across the country to raise funds and collect as many food donations as possible. Alan Shawn Feinstein, founder of The Feinstein Foundation, then divides his donation of $1 million proportionately among approximately 2,000 agencies participating in the challenge.

The final days of the challenge saw donations flood in from Monmouth Junction and Greenbrook elementary schools, L’Oreal, Stop & Shop in Monmouth Junction, Noor-Ul Iman, and The Learning Experience. A total of $8,538.25 in monetary donations and food items 4,051 came in just in time to close out the record shattering drive.

"This really helps us provide for almost any situation," Wolf said. "We don't have to say no to people. If people are behind on their rent or utilities we can help them. Especially since this is the time of year that utilities are being shut off left and right."

South Brunswick was able to generate the eighth-highest donation total in the state of New Jersey last year with $43,534.77 in monetary donations and 26,925 food items. In 2011, South Brunswick donated 19,703 food items and donated $46,126 in cash to the pantry during the "Challenge to Fight Hunger."

The donations come at a time when the need among the less fortunate continues to grow in South Brunswick.  

"We saw 76 people in April coming in for help. Those kind of numbers are what we typically see during the holidays," Wolf said. "But 76 is our second highest ever, and that's really crazy. So these donations are going to help incredibly with our numbers increasing substantially. I'm in awe that this tiny little department with two part time people and volunteers were able to pull this off. We owe the community such a debt of gratitude. We're just thrilled."

With the school year winding down, Social Services is getting an early start on collecting backpacks and school supplies for next school year, beginning a drive that will last through the summer.

For more information about donating or volunteering call 732-329-4000 ext. 7674.  

But for the time being, the department is just basking in the glow of an amazing two-month stretch.

"It's a really good feeling for everyone to know that we were able to do all this," Wolf said. "We just thank the business community and the public for stepping up to the plate and making this a regular part of their lives."

Challenge to Fight Hunger

Money Donated

Food Items Donated

Total Challenge Credit

Week 1

$17,057 

14,264

$31,321