Chatham Food Distribution Drive Focuses On ‘Days Of Thanks’

CHATHAM, NJ — As part of the season of thanks, the Chatham Community Food Distribution has spearheaded a “15 Days of Thanks” food drive, which gives donors an infographic that details what types of non-perishable food items could fill a box to help feed a family in need.

The “Thanksgiving Bingo Card” is shown below, with the suggestions of what to add to a box, with a box complete, once it is filled with all of the items including Thanksgiving-themed ones below, which include canned meats, macaroni and cheese, instant potatoes, hearty soups and stews, canned vegetables, canned or jarred fruit, cereal or oatmeal, pasta, pasta sauce, yams, jarred applesauce, stuffing mix, canned cranberry sauce and a shelf-stable dessert or dessert mix.

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For those who would prefer to donate funds, there’s a QR code in the middle of the bingo-style infographic, which launches into a donation page and then the choice of “COVID Relief/Food Distribution.” Donations can also be made by check to Chatham United Methodist Church, earmarked “COVID Relief Fund.”

Once a food box is filled, it can be taken to Chatham United Methodist Church at 460 Main Street this coming Saturday, Nov. 13 between 10 a.m. and noon.

The filled food boxes with Thanksgiving staples, will be distributed on Wednesday, Nov. 17 to families, beginning at 4 p.m., with the Community Food Distribution now a regular weekly occurrence at the church each Wednesday, for the past 78 weeks, where some drive up and others walk up to receive food.

Two Chatham Borough community members who serve on the Borough Council, Council President Carolyn Dempsey and Councilman Len Resto, are among those who spearheaded the weekly food distribution and help to keep it going.

“We are in our 78th week of distributing food to those struggling in our community, “ Resto said. “We serve between 30-60 families each week. There are folks from all ages and walks of life who have fallen on hard times, through no fault of their own, who visit our distribution line in order to make ends meet.”

“We are so thankful to everyone in Chatham who has given to the CCFD over the past 19 months,” Dempsey added. “Scouts, whole neighborhoods, and youth groups bring us 100’s of shelf stable lunches for distribution each week. Businesses like Fleur de Sel and Panera donate dairy products, bread and baked goods weekly. Plus we have the most amazing volunteers who are there week after week.”

One of them is Eileen Ruggiero of Chatham United Methodist Church, who they say “has been doing the huge task of organizing the donations and inventory of the food pantry, working with donors to help supply what’s most needed.”

“We are truly a ‘Coalition of Compassion’ with so many from our community coming together to help those in need,” said Rev. Jeff Markay of Chatham United Methodist Church, in a news release about the food distribution and food pantry. “As long as there is a need and we have enough donations, we will continue to serve anyone struggling who comes through our distribution line.”

In addition to the weekly food distribution, there’s an accessible pantry behind the church that the Chatham United Methodist Church maintains, which is open 24 hours daily for donation drop-offs of non-perishable and shelf-stable food items, as well as for anyone who is food insecure and needs something to eat, anytime.

Pastors from throughout the community help to serve by offering prayer or time to listen to those who may need encouragement at the “Prayer Station” as they pick up their food.

The Chatham Community Food Distribution and Chatham United Methodist Church Food Pantry sustains fully on donations, with a $40 donation able to help organizers buy a gallon of milk, a dozen eggs and a “large box of fresh produce.”

What are some other ways to give to the Food Distribution and food pantry?

• One way to contribute, is by the church’s Amazon wishlist for the 24-hour food pantry, just ensure that Chatham United Methodist Church (CUMC) at 460 Main Street, Chatham, NJ 07928 shows up when checking out. Click this link: https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/1EUI3767QVAZR?fbclid=IwAR2Fi_jARy1dh5Rmo_ajES7DMP_NDY2LCQUrs0PVwQu7O3Pwi1soLnlJ1mM
• Give to the Chatham United Methodist Church’s COVID Relief Fund by check, with “Food Distribution” in the memo and mail to: Chatham United Methodist Church, 460 Main Street, Chatham NJ 07928 or click the following to give online, including for the produce box: https://www.eservicepayments.com/cgi-bin/Vanco_ver3.vps?appver3=Fi1giPL8kwX_Oe1AO50jRqRuMZOFNUlJerM5S4qCrYlEOVZpPcIw91FrYieK2rA42EvVVAEjqawDomKT1pboueQR0fNiYq-CVZ6_64P4Flk=&ver=3

“People coming through the line are so appreciative, and we are grateful to be of service to them,” Dempsey said. “We are truly neighbors helping neighbors.”

Questions or comments about this story? Have a news tip? Contact me at: jennifer.miller@patch.com.