Local Coldwell Banker Real Estate agents Dan and Eddie Pennino, are not going to let the coronavirus get in the way of helping the residents of Cumberland County and surrounding area.
For the past 17 years, they have operated the Angels Closet Food Bank currently housed at the Cumberland County Community Church at 1800 E. Broad Street in Millville, pastored by Sal Roggio.
On Monday mornings over a dozen volunteers gather in the church’s Family Life Center to sort and pack boxes for families of various sizes so they can be distributed from 1 to 3 p.m. that afternoon. The families used to assemble inside the hall, but the coronavirus has changed that. To continue to accommodate individuals that need food and to protect them and the volunteers, the food bank has shifted to a drive-through service model.
Recipients now can receive their food without leaving their cars. They simply pull up under the carport, relay their necessary information to a masked volunteer and the corresponding order is brought out to the vehicle.
“Thanks to our volunteers the process is highly organized and efficient. Since the pandemic started to affect the area almost four weeks ago, the food bank has seen a large number of families experiencing food insecurity in our community; we serve 30 to 60 families each week. A special thanks goes out to our various volunteers, from the unloaders, paperwork staff, packers, to the church secretary—without them this could not be possible,” stated Dan Pennino.
The amount of food distributed each month often exceeds 10,000 lbs.. Depending on donations received and food available from the State of NJ boxes can include frozen meats, vegetables, milk, eggs and other kitchen staples. Donations of any size are always needed. Contact Eddie or Dan to help donate at 609-805-1611.
