Federation sets up campaign in response to pandemic
The coronavirus pandemic is a threat not only to the community’s physical health, but to its economy, and to the well-being of its most vulnerable members.
Because local needs within both the Jewish community and in the broader community around it have become even more urgent, the Jewish Federation of Northern New Jersey, in partnership with other agencies and organizations, has launched a campaign to raise at least $300,000.
The federation has been working in coordination with Bergen County officials. Its beneficiary partners include the Jewish Family and Children’s Service of Northern New Jersey, the Kaplen JCC on the Palisades, the Jewish Association for Developmental Disabilities, and the Center for Food Action.
The funds will go toward the federation’s partner agencies as they work to meet local needs. The money “will help replenish empty food pantries, sustain more meal programs for an increased number of home-bound seniors, provide additional staffing for disabled adult centers that have suspended day programs, assist with economic hardship, and address hunger insecurities caused by school closings and loss of employment,” according to its press release.
“It is estimated that our local community will need an additional $300,000+ in funds in the next 30 days alone just to meet increased needs caused by the coronavirus crisis,” the federation’s CEO, Jason M. Shames, said. “Federation is spearheading this effort to ensure that no child, senior, or adult affected directly or indirectly by this emergency will be left behind. The fund was launched on Friday and the response has been overwhelming. People are looking for ways to help and since social distancing prevents a more active volunteer role, donating to a fund that will make a difference is resonating with people.”
“Since we have had to cancel all of our events over the next six to eight weeks, we are looking for virtual ways to engage with the community and keep them connected,” the federation’s COO, Lisa Harris Glass, said.
To donate to the Federation’s Coronavirus Crisis Campaign, go to www.jfnnj.org/coronarelief or text “corona” to 50155. You also can donate non-perishables to the collection site close to you; there is a list of those sites at www.jfnnj.org/fooddrive
For questions, email Laura Freeman at lauraf@jfnnj.org or call her at (201) 264-3857.
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