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Perth Amboy Gets Served on MLK Day

 

The Jewish Renaissance Foundation AmeriCorps Dedicate National Day of Service to The Mercy House Food Pantry

Press Release 1/18/17

PERTH AMBOY – In the 1963 collection, Strength to Love, by Martin Luther King Jr., it included a sermon titled, “Three Dimensions of a Complete Life” which contained the following quote, and “Life’s most persistent and urgent question is: What are you doing for others?” Striving to honor Dr. King’s legacy, the Jewish Renaissance Foundation’s (JRF) AmeriCorps has been putting aim into action of giving back to their community since its incorporation in 2006.  This year, twenty (20) of their AmeriCorps members committed themselves to the only federal holiday observed as a national day of service – a “day on, not a day off’ to rehabbing the Mercy House Food Pantry of the Cathedral International, on Monday, January 16th, located on 282 McClellan Street in Perth Amboy.

The Mercy House Food Pantry of the Cathedral International provides dry food goods, clothing and referral assistance for all who are in need regardless of race, age or income. Working tirelessly to provide assistance to those that seek it, the Mercy House Food Pantry was in need of restoration to improve their continued work.  The JRF AmeriCorps members were able to make such improvements, including cleaning, painting, sorting food donations, and organized coats.  The members also purchased and assembled furniture for the intake office including lamps, a sofa set, file cabinets, racks for clothes and guest chairs.

“We are honored and humbled that JRF’s AmeriCorps chose our site to complete the day of service,” stated Damaris Ramirez, Program Director of Social Services of Cathedral’s Community Development Corporation (CDC).  “We are truly grateful and impressed of the work completed that will positively impact how we serve our clients.”

Joining thousands across the country, the JRF AmeriCorps members and Perth Amboy community volunteers committed themselves and their time to participate in MLK Day of Service led by the Corporation for National and Community Service, a federal agency that encourages Americans to participate in service through organizations like AmeriCorps. (continued)

“We answer Dr. King’s call to serve and are making a difference in the lives of Middlesex County residents,” said Shakila Woltz, the AmeriCorps Program Manager of the Jewish Renaissance Foundation. “A resourceful way to meet local needs, volunteer service is a powerful tool that builds strong communities. We are putting the core American principles of citizenship and service into action.”

The JRF AmeriCorps program is seeking for eager individuals to serve. AmeriCorps is a community-based, service learning initiative that recruits, trains, and places members in agencies throughout Middlesex, Bergen, Essex, Union & Monmouth counties, improving the quality of education and community assistance programs. For more information about how to become a member or become a host site, contact Shakila Woltz, AmeriCorps Program Manager, at (732) 324-2114 x 120 or by email at Shakila.Woltz@jrfnj.org.

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