As part of its 140th anniversary celebration, Manasquan Savings Bank announced in May a monthly food drive to benefit the FoodBank of Monmouth and Ocean Counties. The bank’s eight branches set an ambitious collective goal of gathering 140 pounds of food each month. After just a little more than two months, the bank is proud to announce that more than 500 pounds of food have already been collected and donated.
The Food Drive is one of a number of community-focused initiatives planned by the bank for 2014, and reflects its long-standing partnership with the FoodBank of Monmouth and Ocean Counties. In addition to collecting essential items for those in need, Team 140, a dedicated group of Manasquan Savings Bank employee volunteers, also conducted the first of a planned series of visits to the FoodBank on July 14. There, they provided assistance to the organization’s staff, from sorting food and stocking shelves to packing boxes.
“In the two short months since we launched the food drive our employees, customers, friends and neighbors have demonstrated incredible enthusiasm and generosity,” says James S. Vaccaro, President and CEO. “Donations to the FoodBank of Monmouth and Ocean Counties make a meaningful difference to people in need, and I wish to thank everyone who has participated, on behalf of the entire Manasquan Savings Bank team.”
The food drive is scheduled to continue throughout the year, with dedicated drop-off locations at each of Manasquan Savings Bank’s eight branches. Customers, local businesses, and the general public are invited to make donations of non-perishable items in non-glass containers. A list of the FoodBank’s most needed items can be found on their website at www.foodbankmoc.org, which currently includes ready-to-eat canned meals, hot and cold cereal, peanut butter, jelly, and other canned items.
In addition, donations are welcomed during the bank’s free shred days, the next of which is planned to take place at the Spring Lake Heights branch on Saturday August 23rd from 9am – Noon. Both food and monetary donations will be collected during the event, and participants may bring mixed paper to be shredded free-of-charge on site.
“From developing educational programming to administering critical feeding programs, the FoodBank of Monmouth and Ocean Counties has an inspiring long-term vision when it comes to conquering food instability,” Vaccaro says. “As we celebrate our 140th anniversary, we are privileged to do our part to support their work.”
