Lunch Break holiday drive helps families in need

RED BANK - Lunch Break, a nonprofit that provides hot meals and other assistance to low-income families and individuals, is once again sponsoring its annual Adopt-a- Family program.

Designed to benefit the less fortunate in the community during the holidays, the program has provided gifts and groceries to local families for more than 10 years.

Each year, more than 300 children benefit directly from the holiday Adopt-a-Family program.

Initiated by Lunch Break's Pantry Director Katherine (KC) Couslar, the holiday program has two components: community support and family nominations.

Families in need can apply directly for assistance by completing a form prior to Dec. 7. The application form requests details about family members such as the names and clothing sizes of children, and can be picked up at Lunch Break, located at 121 Drs. James Parker Blvd., Red Bank.

Alternately, a family can be "nominated" to be a recipient of the program by sending the details to Lunch Break at Lunch- BreakNJ@hotmail.com.

To support the program, Lunch Break encourages the local community and businesses to consider these families in their holiday philanthropic initiatives. Toys and gifts can be dropped off at Lunch Break, and since many families include older children, gift cards, small electronics, manicure certificates and larger-size clothing are also requested.

Hans Zweerink, president of Lunch Break, said, "When you're in need, there is no more challenging time of year, especially when you have children. Our local community, organizations and businesses have always been very supportive of this program, and we hope they'll consider us in their holiday giving. In fact, some companies and schoolchildren have already banded together to adopt several families each year, and that's an excellent way to make a significant impact in the lives of those less fortunate."

On Saturday, Dec. 15, approximately 100 parents will arrive at Lunch Break to pick up gifts and groceries that they would otherwise not have for the holiday season.

Each family will receive a grocery bag filled with food and a turkey, as well as one large bag filled with gifts for their children. On average, 20 volunteers spend the day helping to distribute these items.

In the case of those families that were nominated by others, Lunch Break will make special arrangements to surprise them with groceries and gifts during the week of Christmas.

To support this heartwarming program, those interested in participating in the program are encouraged to call or stop by Lunch Break to donate individual items or select a family in need. Donors may purchase new toys and gifts and drop off the unwrapped items at Lunch Break, Monday through Friday 7:30 a.m. to 2 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 1, or Saturday, Dec. 8, between 9 a.m. and noon.

Zweerink concluded, "For almost 25 years, our mission has been to serve those in need in our local community. As always, we rely heavily on the kindness of others, and this year is no different. We'd be very grateful for the local community's support for this and other Lunch Break programs. In addition to gifts for Holiday Surprise, we hope everyone will consider making cash and food donations."

The mission of Lunch Break is to assist, in an atmosphere of dignity and concern, people who are unable to support themselves and their families.

As a community resource, Lunch Break is committed to meeting the critical needs of Monmouth County residents in need. To make a donation to Lunch Break or for more information, call (732) 747-8577, e-mail LunchBreakNJ@hotmail.com or visit www.lunchbreak.org.