Morris County Chapter of the Links, Inc. Co-Sponsors 2013 Food Drive

At the Tuesday, October 8, 2013 Morristown Town Council Meeting, members of the Morris County Chapter of the Links Incorporated: Kelly Whiting, Stephanie Wilson, Maxine Whiting and Tracey Barrett presented Morristown Mayor Tim Dougherty and his wife, Mary, with framed certificates in recognition and appreciation of their participation and support for the 2012 Food Drive to benefit the Morris County Interfaith Food Pantry.  

Beginning in Spring 2012, the Morris County Chapter of the Links, Inc. organized an area-wide food drive that culminated with delivery of approximately 4,507 pounds -- approximately 2.5 tons -- of food and other grocery items and $272 in donations to the Morris County Interfaith Food Pantry on November 10, 2012.

Established in 1994, the Morris County Interfaith Food Pantry was formed when a group from local houses of worship decided to address the growing issue of hunger by consolidating their food assistance programs. The Pantry is currently distributing more than 15,000 pounds of food to about 325 families each week.  The Pantry's clients are primarily senior citizens living on fixed incomes and low-income working families in Morris County, although more middle-income families are increasingly seeking assistance due to the lingering impact of the economic downturn.  The Pantry required additional assistance with stocking its shelves with groceries and items such as diapers and other baby supplies, particularly during the time of the year that includes the Thanksgiving and Christmas Holiday seasons.

Given the Morris County Chapter of the Links’ ongoing relationship with The Pantry, developing a successful food drive is a logical extension of the Chapter’s mission which is to provide health and human services to the Morris County community.

In addition to the presentation of certificates on Tuesday, Chapter President Kelly Whiting also announced the dates for this year's food drive initiative.  Food donations will be collected on Saturday, October 19th and Sunday, October 20th from10:00am-2:00pm at the entrances to the Stop and Shop located at 245 Littleton Rd, Morris Plains.  Additional donations will be collected on Saturday, October 26th from 10:00am-2:00pm at Milelli’s Automotive & Towing Service 175 Morris St, Morristown.  There will be volunteers at each of these locations to collect donations and coordinate delivery directly to the Pantry.