With Thanksgiving just days away, Lakewood Township will be hosting its annual food and clothing distribution to the needy on Saturday, November 22nd. The distribution will take place at Town Square on Clifton Avenue and Third Street, from 10:00 am until 2:00 pm.
This year’s distribution is expected to be the largest and most generous one to date, thanks to the enthusiastic participation of various partners in this charity. The main Soup Kitchen and Coat Drive is organized by the Lakewood Police Department and the Lakewood Community Coalition, a Coalition of diverse Lakewood religious institutions, nonprofits and community leaders. Delicious hot food, as well as jackets and coats in a variety of sizes, will be distributed at no charge to anyone in need.
A large, diverse group of sponsors are partnering in the distribution: All Saints Episcopal Church; Calvary Lighthouse; JBJ Soul Kitchen; Fairways at Lake Ridge; The Enclave; Original Leisure Village; Leisure Village East; Lions Head Woods; Four Seasons at Lakewood; Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish; Monmouth Medical Supplies; and American Legion Post 166. Farro’s Tees of Toms River gave a special donation of 350 fleece zip-up jackets.
In addition, this year’s event will include a special distribution of Thanksgiving meal baskets. This project was undertaken by Lakewood Department of Public Works (DPW) employee Darryl Tyler along with his church, Vision of Promise Ministries International. The Lakewood Public Works Union – Local 97 – donated $1,000 towards the baskets.
“As we give ‘Thanks’ for all the blessings in our lives, it is noble that we give others what they need and desire, so that they feel thankful as well,” says Mayor Ray Coles. “It is inspiring to see how substantial and generous our annual Soup Kitchen and Coat Drive have become. Thank you to all the individuals and groups who came together to bring joy to our less fortunate neighbors.”
“It is heartwarming to see the Lakewood Police Department; Township employees; religious institutions; communities; and businesses; go the extra mile to feed and clothe the needy during this holiday season,” says Township Committeeman and Emergency Services Liaison Meir Lichtenstein. “This represents the principles of community and charity that permeate Lakewood’s government and grassroots communities alike.”