By Erica Hoffman
The amount of generosity flooding into Jewish Family Services of Atlantic County is overwhelming. Thanks to so many substantial financial and in-kind donations, The Food Pantry at JFS is stocked with supplies which they are using to help over 225 individuals and families per week, which is up from helping an average of 200 people per month, pre-pandemic.
“We had to convert our boardroom into more food storage space, but none of us were complaining,” says Susan Kotzen, Director of Communications and Donor Relations for Jewish Family Services. “As a non-profit agency, we strive to assure that our services and programs are consistently shared so individuals and families who need JFS services – food, counseling, grocery shopping, virtual events for our Village by the Shore members (age 50+) – know that we are here to help,” Kotzen added.
The NJ Pandemic Relief Fund, OceanFirst Foundation, and Beth Israel Sisterhood are among some of their generous financial supporters. AkPharma, Kessler Foundation, Antoinette & Eric Wood, Horizon Foundation for New Jersey, MANNA at The Shore, Bank of America Charitable Foundation, Morris Bailey & Family who are the owners of Resorts Casino Hotel, and Emily Marchese have also all generously given to COVID-19 relief efforts.
Hafetz & Associates employees donated $10,000 to assure seniors are safe and healthy. Their support assures Village by the Shore services including Kosher Meals on Wheels, transportation to essential doctor’s appointments, virtual socialization, and grocery delivery to the 200 seniors who rely on JFS.
The outpouring of donations couldn’t have come at a better time. To date, JFS has had to cancel some of its most lucrative (and highly anticipated) fundraisers. Included are the 13th Annual Cocktail Party, (which they quickly and smartly transformed into a ‘Stay Home & Support: No Show Cocktail Party’ which raised an impressive $27,000) their 33rd Annual House Tour, and their 7th Annual Card Party.
It is important to note that The Food Pantry at JFS is not only open to the Jewish community. The JFS Food Pantry is open to Atlantic County residents regardless of their religion, race, gender, sexual orientation, ethnicity, age, or background.
The Pantry is stocked with non-perishables including cereals, pasta, soups, peanut butter, shelf milk, juices, tuna, and more. It also has essentials such as diapers, wipes, and formula.
Pantry hours are Monday through Friday from 10 am to 2 pm at 607 North Jerome Avenue in Margate. They provide a contactless drive-thru interaction where the client pulls up to the side of the building, opens their trunk, and food is placed in the vehicle.
If you have the means, please consider donating some non-perishables to one of the JFS collection bins located at the Pleasantville Police Department, Linwood City Hall, Ventnor City Hall, and the JFS Margate office.
To make a secure online donation, visit jfsatlantic.org or mail a check to Jewish Family Service of Atlantic & Cape May Counties, 607 North Jerome Avenue, Margate, NJ 08402.
Other ways to help include volunteering in the Food Pantry, delivering food bags, and working with their clients through their “Shop at Home” program. Those interested in volunteering may contact Vanessa Smith, JFS Volunteer Services Supervisor at vsmith@jfsatlantic.org, or call 609.822.1108, x249 for ways to get involved.
For more information on programs and services, call 609.822.1108, x1.
Erica Hoffman was born in Atlantic City and is proud to be writing for Shore Local. She lives in South Jersey and enjoys finding and sharing the lighter side of life.
