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Former New Jersey Senator William Gormley (far right), Atlantic City Attorney Lee Levine (fourth from left) and their families get ready to deliver non-perishable groceries and other essential products to individuals and families in need in Atlantic County. The Gormley and Levine families generously donated $10,000 to Jewish Family Service of Atlantic & Cape May Counties to purchase merchandise for the Food Pantry. (Photo courtesy of Jewish Family Service of Atlantic & Cape May Counties)
Margate, NJ (July 22, 2020) – Former New Jersey Senator William Gormley and his family along with Atlantic City Attorney Lee Levine and his family presented a generous donation of $10,000 to Jewish Family Service of Atlantic & Cape May Counties. In addition to the generous financial contribution, the Gormley and Levine families gathered their kids and grandkids to give their time to deliver bags of food to community members in need.
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Each week, approximately 30 families are delivered essential food through a contactless drop-off. With a 79% increase in Food Pantry requests, the contribution will be used to purchase non-perishable food and other essential products to support individuals and families in need throughout Atlantic County. Top pantry items include cereal, hearty soups, peanut butter, tuna and pasta.
“For more than 30 years, Senator Gormley proudly served the residents of New Jersey and while he may be retired from the government, his commitment to helping his constituents of our state continues to this day,” said Andrea Steinberg, JFS Chief Executive Officer. “At JFS, we are thankful to the Gormley and Levine families for their dedication to help those in need, especially during this unprecedented time.”
Since mid-March, JFS’ Food Pantry has experienced a substantial increase in usage. With more than 27,000 employees from the Atlantic City hotel/casino industry alone unemployed or underemployed, and many commercial and private businesses that ceased or reduced operation, the need for JFS’ Pantry has increased drastically. On average, the agency pantry served 200 people monthly and currently, we are helping in excess of 225 individuals and families per week.
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“We are doing this in the spirit of Sam Greenberg whose life was about uniting the people on Absecon island,” said Bill Gormley.
For those looking to follow their lead, non-perishable food and other essential products for the JFS Food Pantry are also being accepted at the Galloway Police Department and Pleasantville Police Department as well as Linwood City Hall and Ventnor City Hall. Those interested in volunteering may contact Vanessa Smith, JFS Volunteer Services Supervisor at vsmith@jfsatlantic.org or call 609.822.1108, x249 for ways to get involved.
To make a secure on-line donation, visit jfsatlantic.org or mail a check to Jewish Family Service of Atlantic & Cape May Counties, 607 North Jerome Avenue, Margate, NJ 08402. For more information on programs and services, contact 609.822.1108, x1.
About Jewish Family Service
Jewish Family Service of Atlantic & Cape May Counties (JFS) encourages strong families, thriving children, healthy adults, energized seniors and vital communities. With dozens of program areas, JFS specializes in counseling, mental health services, homeless programs, vocational services, adult and older adult services and also hosts an on-site food pantry. The agency impacts 8,000 lives throughout Atlantic and Cape May Counties each year.
JFS’ mission is to motivate and empower people to realize their potential and enhance their quality of life. In keeping with Jewish values and the spirit of tikkun olam (healing the world), JFS provides services with integrity, compassion, respect and professionalism regardless of their religion, race, gender, sexual orientation, ethnicity, age or background.
For more information or to keep up-to-date with JFS events and programs, visit www.jfsatlantic.org or follow us on Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn.