Donations Needed Today, Cupboards

are Empty in Too Many Households

Press Release 5/12/20

PERTH AMBOY – Many families in Perth Amboy are facing shortages of food and basic necessities. Each day, the city’s residents are gathering on ever-longer lines as they seek supplies at local food pantries, houses of worship and feeding programs. The daily demand is far greater than the supply of donated food.

A private and public alliance has emerged in Perth Amboy, and its mission to rapidly raise $100,000 to purchase and contribute food and essential items to households. CPA COVID-19-HELP for Perth Amboy was formed immediately after the City of Perth Amboy and the Celebrate Our Stars & Stripes committee canceled the annual fireworks event that marks America’s Independence Day.

Perth Amboy Mayor Wilda Diaz and Barry Rosengarten, chairman of Celebrate our Stars & Stripes, are asking companies that helped sponsor the fireworks display to donate those sponsorship funds to the not-for-profit CPA COVID-19-HELP for Perth Amboy organization, which is accepting contributions from all donors. In introducing the CPA COVID-19-HELP for Perth Amboy, Mayor Diaz said, “We are raising funds to aid families who are running out of food and are without resources to feed their households. Food scarcity is a reality for too many in our community. Our mission is to continue to support our neighbors during this healthcare and economic crisis, which has placed the biggest burden on our city’s most vulnerable families.”

Families that need food deliveries may contact Mayor Diaz’s office at 732-826-7121 or by sending an email to mayorsoffice@perthamboynj.org. 

Caring companies, individuals, and organizations are asked to make their contributions today. Donors may contribute online by going to CPA COVID-19-HELP for Perth Amboy website.

Contributions may also be mailed to CPA COVID-19-HELP, 211 Front Street, P.O. Box 999, Perth Amboy, N.J. 08862. Please make checks payable to CPA COVID-19 HELP.

Mr. Rosengarten said, “People are in dire straits, and they need our help, now! We are counting on your generous contributions. Your rapid response will make a difference for families that are going hungry, getting by on just one or two meals a day.”

All donated funds will be used to purchase food. CPA COVID-19-HELP for Perth Amboy is also receiving donations from food companies, supermarkets and local markets. The city’s Department of Social Services is storing cartons and cases of food, and the staff is delivering the supplies to needy households. Director of Human Services Kenny Ortiz and the department’s team are organizing the logistics and deliveries.