With less than a week to go until the first annual Capitol Complex Food Drive, Governor Jon S. Corzine and New Jersey’s legislative leaders today urged state employees and visitors to open their hearts and shopping carts to help those less fortunate during these trying economic times.

Governor Corzine, Senate President Richard J. Codey, Assembly Speaker Joseph J. Roberts Jr., Senate Minority Leader Thomas H. Kean, Jr. and Assembly Minority Leader Alex DeCroce all underscored the importance, particularly during the current economic crisis, of lending a helping hand to those struggling to get by and feed their families.

“During this holiday season, New Jerseyans can lend a hand to less fortunate families throughout New Jersey,” Governor Corzine said. “Local food distribution operations fill a critical niche in times such as these and I urge everyone to do what they can to make someone else’s holidays a little bit brighter.”

The food drive will take place on Monday, December 15, throughout the buildings of the Capitol Complex located along West State Street, including the Statehouse, Statehouse Annex, State Museum, State Library and State Archives.  Donated items will be distributed to area food banks and soup kitchens through Mercer Street Friends, a non-sectarian human care organization dedicated to addressing problems of poverty and health in the Greater Trenton area.

“In the true spirit of the holiday season, I hope we can all go that extra mile to help our fellow citizens struggling to care for their families,” said Senator Codey (D-Essex).  “I encourage everyone to pick up a few extra items when they’re out shopping this week.  A little bit from everyone can go a long way towards helping others make ends meet and hopefully inspire us to be generous in spirit all year long.”

“With statistics showing demand for food up 30 percent but donations down 20 percent, the situation is bleak for many,” Roberts said. “This may be the worst economic crisis since The Great Depression, so the least we can do is encourage everyone who is able to give this holiday season to help those less fortunate, so we urge everyone to do what they can to help those facing dire times and keep that holiday spirit going throughout the year.”

Speaker Roberts also said the Assembly Majority Office decided to forego its traditional office holiday gift giving and instead is encouraging people to donate to this and other food drives.

“Hunger shouldn’t exist in New Jersey, especially during the Holiday season,” said Republican Senate Leader Tom Kean. “We can help end it by participating in the Capitol Complex Food Drive. I join my fellow lawmakers in urging a generous response to this call for help during a difficult time for many New Jersey families.”

“It is important that we take time during the holidays to extend a helping hand to those families who cannot afford these necessities,” said Assemblyman DeCroce (R-Morris, Passaic). “Particularly this year, when there is an urgent need for this assistance, we need to work together to make this food drive a success.”

Donors can bring any of the following items to containers that will be located at Capitol Complex building entrances: canned fish or meat (such as tuna fish, sardines, salmon and chicken), canned fruit, canned vegetables, rice, Parmalat or other shelf stable milk, cereals (hot or cold; low-sugar brands such as Cheerios or Raisin Bran), personal hygiene products (toothpaste, deodorant, shampoo, soap, and toilet paper; NO mouthwash).  Donors are asked to refrain from purchasing glass jars or perishables.

(YWN Desk – NYC)