Area Food Bank is Starving as Economy Falters

-- It’s no surprise that more families need your help to put food on their table for the holidays this year, as the Food Bank of Monmouth and Ocean Counties holds its annual Thanksgiving food drive, designated as the *2008 Holiday Hunger Challenge*.

And, although faltering economic conditions are at the heart of this tragedy, it is no big secret that most of those in need of food may also be hungry year-round, not just for the current season. But, as more and more members of the middle class have been forced into joining the ranks of the hungry, it seems that hunger doesn’t take a holiday or a vacation.

So, starting November 1st, through Friday, November 21, our Goddard School in Toms River, http://www.goddardschool.com/Schools/Toms-River-II-NJ/Schools.gspx, is again proud and happy to benefit the children of our area by participating as a food donation collection point for the food drive.

By collecting your donations of non-perishable food items, The Goddard School serves to help the MONOC Food Bank, http://www.foodbankmoc.org. The Food Bank works to distribute food to more than 100,000 hungry residents each month, including more than 40,000 youngsters.

Bring your food donations to The Goddard School ...

If you would like to assist in the *2008 Holiday Hunger Challenge* food drive, the process is really quite simple. Area residents can bring their food donations to the drop-off location for The Goddard School, at 255 Route 70, in Toms River (just ¼ mile west of Whitesville Road). Come by any day, Monday-to-Friday, until November 21st, during the hours of 7:00 AM to 6:00 PM.

Just walk-in with your donation. Please note that we can only accept non-perishable, unopened, unexpired food items. We cannot accept any homemade jellies, jams, fruits, vegetables or other homemade items.

Your donation may be Tax Deductible ...

Because the MONOC FoodBank is a 501(c)3 nonprofit, your contribution may be tax-deductible.

Thank you for your help.