Share Support Non-Perishable Food and Toiletry Drive For Those in Need at The Gateway Family YMCA
The Gateway Family YMCA and Shaping Eastern Union County are collecting non-perishable food items and toiletries for those in need this winter. Donations will directly support the local community through The Gateway Family YMCA Housing Programs in Elizabeth, NJ and The Dudley House Veterans Transitional Housing Program in Plainfield, NJ. The Gateway Family YMCA provides emergency, transitional and supportive housing and supports the Union County 24-Hour Homeless Emergency Response Hotline.
Items needed include all non-perishable canned or boxed food items such as soups, tuna, cereal, oatmeal, pasta, tomato sauce, chili, peanut butter and jelly. Toiletries and personal care items such as toothpaste, toothbrush, soap, shampoo, shaving cream, disposable razors, tissues, diapers and baby wipes are also needed.
Donated items can be dropped at 6 local YMCA branches thru December 23rd:
• Elizabeth Branch – 135 Madison Avenue, Elizabeth, NJ
• Rahway Branch – 1564 Irving Street, Rahway, NJ
• Five Points Branch – 201 Tucker Avenue, Union, NJ
• Wellness Center Branch – 1000 Galloping Hill Road, Union, NJ
• WISE Center YMCA Branch – 2095B Berwyn Street, Union, NJ
• Youth Development Branch – 16-20 Jefferson Avenue, Elizabeth, NJ
“The Gateway Family YMCA has served the local community for over 119 years. Giving back is an important part of what the Y does every day. Our members, volunteers, supporters and staff demonstrate the power of what we can achieve by giving back together,” stated Krystal R. Canady, CEO, The Gateway Family YMCA.
The Union County Freeholder Board is a proud sponsor of this event through the County’s Human Services Department.
“It only takes a small donation to make a difference, when we all join together,” said Union County Freeholder Chair Bette Jane Kowalski. “On behalf of the Freeholder Board, I would like to thank everyone in the community who plans to participate in the food and toiletry drive. Your generosity is very much appreciated.”
“At our core, the Y is about helping individuals reach their full potential,” stated Melynda A. Mileski, EVP/COO, The Gateway Family YMCA. “Every day members come into our emergency housing programs in need of necessities; Imagine losing everything you own in a fire, leaving everything behind to save yourself and your child from domestic violence, or just having nowhere to turn.”
The Gateway Family YMCA is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit community service membership organization working to meet the health and social service needs of the children, men and women in local communities. Committed to the mission of building healthy lives through programs that strengthen spirits, minds and bodies for people of all ages, religions and cultures, the Y serves over 24,000 individuals and families yearly.
Shaping Eastern Union County is committed to improving the health and well-being of county residents and creating strategies to support improved health, nutrition and physical activity for all.
To learn more about The Gateway Family YMCA or Shaping Eastern Union County, visit www.tgfymca.org. For more information on YMCA services, contact the Elizabeth Branch 908-355-9622, Five Points Branch 908-688-9622, Rahway Branch 908-388-0057, Wellness Center Branch 908-349-9622, WISE Center YMCA Branch 908-687-2995 or Youth Development Branch 908-355-3061.
