FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Tuesday, November 25, 2014

CHRISTIE ADMINISTRATION CONTINUES “SEASON OF SERVICE” AS DCA COMMISSIONER VOLUNTEERS AT ST. ANN’S SOUP KITCHEN IN NEWARK

Joins Volunteers to Serve Lunch to Low-Income Individuals



NEWARK, N.J. – As part of the Christie Administration’s fourth annual "Season of Service," New Jersey Department of Community Affairs (DCA) Commissioner Richard E. Constable, III spent the afternoon preparing and serving lunch to patrons at St. Ann’s Soup Kitchen of Franciscan Charities, Inc. in Newark. Franciscan Charities provides food, literacy programs, and medical care to very low-income individuals. 

"As many households prepare to exchange gifts and sit down to family dinners for the holidays, it is easy to forget the less fortunate who struggle to simply meet their everyday needs," said Commissioner Constable. "If the more fortunate in the community can do their part to offer some time or donations to their local service groups, they can offer an underprivileged neighbor a better holiday season. A huge amount of gratitude can come from just a little bit of effort in this season of giving."

 

Commissioner Constable volunteered today as part of Season of Service activities. Christie Administration officials will volunteer their time and highlight service opportunities around the state as part of the fourth annual "Season of Service." Continuing the success of previous service initiatives, this year’s November and December activities will continue to serve New Jersey’s most vulnerable residents with a particular focus in December on drug addiction treatment and recovery.

The "Season of Service" initiative was started to encourage volunteering, highlight service opportunities in the state, and call attention to those New Jerseyans who are already volunteering in their communities. It started the day before Thanksgiving 2011 when Governor Christie, First Lady Mary Pat Christie and three of their four children volunteered at the Ladle of Love soup kitchen at St. Mary's Episcopal Church in Burlington City. Since then members of the Governor’s cabinet have volunteered their time and will continue to do so throughout the month of December.

Franciscan Charities, Inc. is a comprehensive non-profit social service organization and one of the most respected anti-poverty initiatives in New Jersey. It offers 13 different ministries, including St. Ann’s Soup Kitchen, which is the centerpiece of their outreach. Approximately 150 - 300 meals are served daily.  Last year they provided over 120,000 meals to the hungry of Newark.

To volunteer with Franciscan Charities or to learn more about the organization, visit http://www.franciscancharitiesinc.org/ or call (973) 732-4736 for more information.