County Candlelight Overdose Vigil In Gloucester Township Aug. 31

GLOUCESTER TOWNSHIP, NJ — Camden County will host its annual Candlelight Vigil in remembrance of overdose victims on Aug. 31 at Timber Creek Park in Gloucester Township.

This year, the county won’t be pulling lists from previous years, according to officials. This will be a new list, and anyone who wants their loved ones to be remembered will have to resubmit their names. Those whose names and photos are submitted will be remembered as part of a slideshow.

“The slideshow, in the intimate setting of the vigil, provides a rare opportunity for families affected by loss to remember and celebrate their lost loved ones publicly,” officials said in a statement. “The photos also serve as a stark reminder that drug addiction has become ubiquitous, affecting diverse communities in our area and across the nation.”

The vigil remembers those who have already been lost to addiction while raising awareness about addiction throughout the county.

Anyone who wishes to include their loved one in the 2021 vigil program and slideshow should visit camdencounty.com.

The time for this year’s vigil has not yet been set. Timber Creek Park is located at 236 Taylor Avenue and Chews Landing Road in the Blackwood section of the township.

Last year, the county unveiled a new memorial at the park as part of the vigil. The memorial was established as one way to defeat the stigma surrounding addiction, officials said. Read more here: Gloucester Township Memorial Will Honor Overdose Victims

Gloucester Township police have a pair of prescription drug drop off boxes set up to collect residents unused and unwanted drugs.

The first box is located by the police department’s watch desk area. The second box is located on the municipal side of the building by the operator entrance. The police department is adjacent to the municipal building, 1261 Chews Landing Road.

Gloucester Township police also have a Project SAVE (Substance Abuse Visionary Effort) Advocate, who provides information about treatment programs to individuals who need assistance and information regarding substance abuse for themselves, a friend, or a loved one.

For more information and help related to addiction, call 856-302-7051 or email Police@GTPolice.com.