Sanctuary Program Comes Back to Freehold

The Latino Coalition of New Jersey has partnered with Freehold-area churches to provide food to the needy as part of the Sanctuary Program

Starting at the , the Sanctuary Program will be providing breakfast and lunch for working poor, families, and immigrant laborers every Friday and Saturday of the winter months. The program will begin on Saturday Dec. 10 and run until Saturday, March 17, 2012, according to a press release issued by the Latino Coalition of New Jersey. 

The First United Methodist Church of Freehold will also be offering breakfast on Friday, Dec. 16 from 7:30 a.m. until 10 a.m. and on March 16, 2012, which will be the final Friday of the program.

After Dec. 10, the Saturday program will be hosted at the Methodist Church on Dec. 17 and then move to the on Dec. 24 where it will be held every Saturday until March 17.

The program is a collaborative effort of the Latino Coalition of New Jersey working in conjunction with the , , the First United Methodist Church, and the Reformed Church, all of Freehold.

As was the case last year, this year’s program will be funded in large part by a grant by the Graeme Preston Foundation for Life which donated $2,500 in the spring of 2008, as well as through the support of the I Beseech Thee Community Development Corporation.

In addition to meals, there will be blood pressure screenings and speakers on most Saturdays to address a variety of issues in the community, including tax preparation, immigration, and HIV-AIDS.

“We expect a higher demand than usual this winter because of the tough economy,” Sanctuary Program Coordinator Ann Bagchi said in the release. “No one has been hurt more by the recession than the working poor. These are difficult times and food security is an issue for some in the community and we hope to ease that concern for those we serve.”

Reverend Ricky Pierce, executive director of the I Beseech Thee Community Development Corporation, said his organization is seeking contributions to fund the program. “The people of Monmouth County have always been very generous in funding the program. We hope to continue our ministry to the poor.”

Contributions for the program can be sent to the I Beseech Thee Community Development Corporation at 133 Throckmorton Street, Freehold, New Jersey 07728.

Volunteers are also needed for the program; particularly those with experience in meal preparation for large groups and those available from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. to assist with clean-up. If you are interested in helping, contact Sandra Whitehill at 732-863-7395.