Time Set For Overdose Awareness Vigil In Gloucester Township

GLOUCESTER TOWNSHIP, NJ — The time has been set for Camden County’s annual Candlelight Vigil in remembrance of overdose victims. Additionally, orders for memorial pavers for this year’s ceremony have closed.

The event will take place at 7:30 p.m. 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.

There will be a new list, but orders for 2021 memorial pavers has closed, officials said. Anyone who purchased a paver for this year’s ceremony should check their email over the next few weeks for a draft to be reviewed.

Those using yahoo, AOL, Comcast or Verizon email address, should check their spam folders for these approval emails. Anyone who has not received an email should email mike@spark-creative.net.

"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. 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.