Gwen Love (l-r), executive director of Lunch Break, Red Bank, and Little Silver Business and Professional Association (LSBPA) members Matthew Paris, Little Silver Family Pharmacy, Jay Cordero, Wachovia Bank, Erica Melone, Spa 500, Steve Wernau, Little Silver Family Pharmacy, Mayor Suzanne Castleman, Lori Saybolt, The Woman's Exchange, and Lynne Goldberg, Lynne's Fashion Boutique, gathered to donate food to Lunch Break on April 3.

The LSBPA's Have a Heart food drive collected 597 pounds of nonperishable pantry and food items to Lunch Break in Red Bank. Collected items had been dropped off at business locations throughout the downtown community beginning in February.

Love, executive director of Lunch Break, said current economic conditions have prompted a greater need for the food pantry and soup kitchen, which serves more than 2,500 free hot meals each month at its location on 121 Drs. Parker Blvd., with another 400 meals being delivered to homebound seniors.

Businesses that served as designated drop-off locations in the drive included Spa 500, Wachovia Bank, Lynne's Fashion Boutique, Little Silver Family Pharmacy and Valley National Bank.

LSBPA members work together to provide a better business district, creating a presence in the Little Silver area to shop locally, and encourage members to serve the community through professionalism, customer service and outreach.

For more information, contact Lori Saybolt at 732-959-9010 or email Lori5775@comcast.net.