Rotary Club goes shopping for food pantry
BRANCHVILLE. The local club was awarded a district matching grant of $750 for the project.
| 29 Apr 2024 | 02:42
SH1 Cynthia Allen, president of the Rotary Club of Branchville, holds the register tape from the group’s shopping trip to Ocean State Job Lots in Sparta. They spent slightly less than $2,000 on items for the Sussex County Food Pantry. (Photo provided)
Rotary Club members and friends pose with the food pantry manager in Newton.
In keeping with Rotary International’s motto “Service Above Self,” the Rotary Club of Branchville applied for and was awarded a district matching grant of $750 to enable its members to shop for items for the Sussex County Food Pantry.
Club members also donated cash, and Frank Mahmudi, owner of Nonno’s Italian Restaurant in Sandyston, made a generous donation.
The group bought items that cannot be purchased with food stamps, including personal hygiene products, such as soap, toothbrushes, toothpaste, deodorant, laundry detergent and cleaning supplies.
On a recent rainy Friday morning, members and friends of the club gathered at Ocean State Job Lots in Sparta. The store opened early for the shoppers and provided a dedicated cashier.
Spending slightly less than $2,000, the group drove to Newton to deliver the goods to the food pantry.
“We hope our shopping efforts will help alleviate some of the stress associated with food and other insecurities in our community,” said club president Cynthia Allen.
The Branchville club also supports other local nonprofits, including Project Self-Sufficiency’s Chili Open Golf Classic and the German Christmas Market pretzel concession. It raises funds at its roast beef stand at the New Jersey State Fair/Sussex County Farm and Horse Show.
The club meets at various locations in Sussex County at 12:15 p.m. Fridays.
For information, go online to www.branchvillerotary.org or send email to We-serve@branchvillerotary.org