By: Najla Alexander
Today, Sheriff Armando B. Fontoura and Sheriff’s Officers loaded many vehicles and delivered hundreds of turkeys and holiday meals with all the trimmings to schools, churches, pantries, battered women’s shelters, and homeless shelters throughout Essex County, officials reported.
According to officials,it was part of the Essex County Sheriff’s Thanksgiving Food Drive, which has been happening for over 30 years.
Sheriff Fontoura said, “There are a lot of families out there that just don’t have the financial resources available to purchase food for Thanksgiving and the winter months. In some small way, our food drive will assist many families and community soup kitchens.”
In addition to providing Thanksgiving meals to needy families, the Sheriff’s Officers also stocked the shelves of the food pantries at St. Ann’s Food Pantry, St. John’s Soup Kitchen, New Hope Baptist Church Food Pantry, and St. Michael’s Food Pantry, among others, officials say.
“I am extremely proud of the generosity of our officers, deputies, and civilian staff,” Sheriff Fontoura said.
“This community initiative underscores their wonderful spirit, care, and concern for our neighbors.”