NJ Project Managers Double Donation, Delivering Over $2,000 to Edison's Hands of Hope Food Pantry

(Edison, N.J., September 26, 2025 – This article was contributed by the Project Management Institute New Jersey Chapter.)

The Project Management Institute New Jersey Chapter (PMINJ) has successfully concluded a community-wide fundraising effort, resulting in a $2,044.00 total financial contribution to Hands of Hope for the Community, Inc., the volunteer-led food pantry serving Edison residents. This donation was made possible by a dollar-for-dollar Chapter match of the $1,022 contributed by members during the recent "Project: Community Hope" campaign.

This substantial donation provides critical operational funding as the pantry faces sustained high demand. According to local hunger advocates and data derived from the Feeding America Map the Meal Gap study, almost 90,000 Middlesex County residents, including 20,000 children, face food insecurity, underscoring the severity of the need for sustained local support.

The Chapter's fundraising included $810 donated directly to Hands of Hope by members and an additional $212 raised through member sign-ups for the Hands of Hope annual health fair in July. The funds matched by PMINJ will specifically help Hands of Hope secure high-demand food items and maintain its distribution logistics. Hands of Hope operates entirely with the help of volunteers and provides a centralized system for distributing nutritious food to local individuals and families.

"Our members are not only leaders in project management but also dedicated community servants. This dollar-for-dollar match is our commitment to converting our professional dedication into tangible, positive change, ensuring that Hands of Hope has the resources to continue its vital, volunteer-run mission of fighting food insecurity," said Mark Barash, Immediate Past President of the PMINJ Chapter.

“The generosity of PMINJ membership and this incredible matching pledge will make a monumental difference for us this fall and winter,” said Charles Tomaro, President of Hands of Hope. "This kind of teamwork between our organizations is the backbone of our ability to meet the increasing needs of the community as the cost of living continues to strain household budgets across the county."

About Project Management Institute New Jersey Chapter (PMINJ)
Founded in 1981, the Project Management Institute New Jersey Chapter is one of the largest and most active chapters of the global Project Management Institute. PMINJ supports thousands of certified professionals across the state, fostering professional growth and project leadership through educational programs, networking events, and community service initiatives. PMINJ is a volunteer organization that is committed to giving back to the community by applying the principles of project management to social good efforts. https://www.pminj.org/

About Hands of Hope for the Community, Inc.
Hands of Hope for the Community, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) non-profit, community-based organization operating out of St. James Church in Edison, N.J. Since 1992, its mission has been to provide an efficient and effective centralized system for distributing food to alleviate hunger, focusing on sustaining good nutrition, health, and human dignity. The organization is run entirely by dedicated volunteers. https://www.hohnj.org/