BEACHWOOD – Now that we’re done handing out candy for Halloween, it’s time to hand out food and other items for Thanksgiving.
A local resident, Robyn Griffith, has been collecting for two worthy charities.
“For the last 13 years in conjunction with radio station WJRZ, I’ve participated in a program known as ‘Share the Joy.’ Each year my group has come together to collect non-perishable food items, gift cards, new toys and pet food and supplies. Year 14 will be no different.
WJRZ just announced the dates and location of their drive. They will park a tractor trailer at the Saker ShopRite at 860 Fischer Boulevard in Toms River on the weekend before Thanksgiving. On Friday, November 21, they will be there from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. On Saturday, November 22, they will be there from 9 a.m. until 6 p.m. They broadcast from that area, while collecting:
- Non-perishable food items and frozen turkeys for Fulfill Monmouth and Ocean’s Toms River Pantry
- Dog and cat food, pet accessories and toys for the Jersey Shore Animal Center
- Gift cards, Lego sets, board games, and arts and crafts for ages 6-18 for Big Brothers/Big Sisters of Coastal New Jersey
- Monetary donations to benefit all three organizations.
“Since 2020 the rate of those battling some sort of food insecurity issue has climbed by 65%,” Griffith noted. “This year alone between 1.1-1.3 million New Jersey residents (over 270,000 are our children) are battling. Our seniors, our veterans, our families with moderate to low incomes, even our college students. Though this will not end or solve this problem, our hope is that it can ease the burden during what is supposed to be the happiest time of the year. We are not the entertainers or the sports legends of the world whose reach knows no boundaries and whose funds can be limitless. We are just here trying to do what’s right by helping those in need.”
She also collects aluminum can tabs for Ronald McDonald House.
“This great charity helps take the burden off of families with children who have serious childhood diseases,” she said.
Her goal is to collect at least 500 pounds of tabs.
She asked that people can contact her if they are interested in helping. If sending an email, write “Share the Joy” in the subject line so she knows it’s not junk mail. She can be reached at 848-333-7318 or rnofgnt@yahoo.com.
