Chatham Neighbors, Churches Team Up, Use Tech To Fight Hunger

CHATHAM, NJ—A combination of community groups, clergy, council members, first responders, and other volunteers is coming together every week to hold a food drive for local food-insecure people, and there is a new, tech-friendly way to donate.

"These folks don’t go hungry, thanks to the heroic efforts of volunteers who have launched a food drive to serve those in need," said a statement issued by Chatham United Methodist Church. "This includes senior citizens on fixed incomes, service industry workers, and many others who never dreamed they might one day be in need of basic items."

Helping Hands of Chatham, the Chatham United Methodist Church, St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, St. Patrick Roman Catholic Church, and Gloria Dei Lutheran Church all participate in the weekly event. Council Members Carolyn Dempsey and Len Resto, members of the Chatham Fire Department, and others also gather weekly to help the local community.

"Well over 100 (Chatham) residents find themselves food insecure," said the church statement, "that number is only increasing as we see the dire effects the global pandemic continues to have on the economy."

Resto and Joe Colangelo, of Boxcarapp.com, also established a way for accepting donations of produce, milk and eggs for the Wednesday food drive, through the Boxcar app. Donors can reserve boxes of the perishable items for distribution at the Wednesday drive and cars are loaded, contactless, with the boxes while in line.

For those who cannot make it to the Wednesday afternoon drop-off, the church has established a pop-up pantry in its parking lot for non-perishables and toiletries. Those items can be donated or picked up at any time, day or night, throughout the week.

Other local businesses, such as Chatham Bagel, Panera, Arminio's Italian Corner, Fleur de Sel, and T.M. Ward Coffee, also contributed, making the operation a complete community effort.

"It has been a remarkable show of generosity," the church said, "especially given the tough times these local businesses are going through."