SUSSEX COUNTY, NJ – The Sussex County Department of Health and Human Services, Division of Social Services Food Pantry provides food to hundreds of families and individuals throughout the county. County Clerk Jeff Parrott created Champions for Charity during the 2009-2010 school year to help replenish the shelves at the Social Services Food Pantry in response to its decreasing donations and rising need to feed the hungry. Champions for Charity has evolved into an annual event that feeds countless residents throughout the county. The effort also educates, raises awareness, and touches the hearts and minds of youths and adults alike as many become aware of the suffering and need that exists within their own community.
Local high school students and faculty have worked together for the past nine years to collect over 401,147 pounds of food through the Champions for Charity food drives. A team of volunteers have also dedicated their time and talents over the past nine years to this and many other efforts by coordinating food drives, educating the public, maintaining pantry shelves, and providing the means to feed countless residents in need. A grand total of 19,538 pounds of food was collected by students and faculty during the 2017-2018 school year. High Point Regional High School students led the friendly competition by collecting 8,490 pounds of food. The food pantry would struggle to meet the needs of its residents without such a generous community, selfless volunteers, and innovative solutions to real life problems such as Champions for Charity.
The Sussex County Department of Health and Human Services, Division of Social Services, food pantry volunteers, and County Clerk Jeff Parrott would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to every student, faculty member, and parent who contributed to the Champions for Charity effort by donating food items and their time.
If anyone is in need of food for themselves, their family or their pets, they can stop by the Division of Social Services, 83 Spring Street, Suite 203, Newton, NJ, Monday through Friday, between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. No appointments are necessary to obtain assistance from the food pantry.
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By: Jay Edwards Follow on Twitter | Like on Facebook
