Hoping to exceed the goals of 2009, the Jewish Federation of Atlantic and Cape May Counties is organizing its 2nd Annual “It’s a Mitzvah” Food Drive from June 28 until August 9. Once again the proceeds will benefit the Community Food Bank, the Boys and Girls Club of Atlantic City, and the JFS Food Pantry. In 2009 the collections garnered 1770 pounds of non-perishable items and volunteers made over 500 peanut butter and jelly sandwiches that were delivered to the Atlantic City Rescue Mission. This year our goals are 2000 pounds and 700 sandwiches!

Hunger is still too common an affliction of many families in our community. Often people you know go hungry and you are unaware of their problem. Your support is essential and there are several ways in which you may help those in need.

Donate non-perishable items in our Food Drive Collection Bins that will be located at the following sites:

Brigantine – Temple Beth Shalom

Margate – Beth El Synagogue, Body Architects, JCC, Kazuko Hair & Nail Salon, and Temple Emeth Shalom

Northfield – Congregation Beth Israel

Somers Point – Somers Point Herbal Nutrition

Ventnor – Congregation Beth Judah

Off-Shore – Bon Ton Blinds & Interiors, Retro Fitness, Cape Bank (several locations)

All non-perishable items are needed, with a special emphasis upon peanut butter, tuna fish, baby food and formula, pasta, rice, canned fruits and vegetables, soup, and applesauce.

The Federation is offering the sponsorship of Food Drive Collection Bins. To sponsor a Bin, kindly send your $100 donation, payable to Jewish Federation, 501 N. Jerome Ave. Margate, NJ 08402. Your name will be prominently displayed on the Bin of your choice.

The Federation is also accepting taxdeductible monetary donations to be contributed to the three beneficiary organizations. To make a contribution and/or receive further details kindly contact Michele Musto at 822-4404 or visit the website at:

www.jewishbytheshore.org

You may also participate in our “Fill This Truck” event scheduled for Monday, July 26, at Casel’s Marketplace in Margate. Our volunteers will be outside the store collecting your non-perishable items from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.

The Boy Scout Troop #275, serving the Downbeach community, has generously offered to participate in this meaningful project and is excited to assist Federation in reaching our 2010 goals. The JCC Camp By The Sea campers will also be assisting throughout the drive in various activities while learning about the challenges associated with hunger in our community.

Our Mitzvah Morning, the culminating event of this six–week food drive, will occur on Monday, Aug. 9, in the lobby of the JCC at 9:30 a.m. Staff and volunteers of all ages will sort, pack, load, and deliver the non-perishable items to the Boys & Girls Club of Atlantic City, The JFS Food Pantry, and the Community Food Bank of New Jersey. Our peanut butter and jelly project also will take place during our Mitzvah Morning. Dozens of volunteers will assemble sandwiches and deliver them to the AC Rescue Mission.

Please show your support of this meaningful community event by either donating your time, your non-perishable food items and/or your monetary donations. Without your help too many people will still be hungry!

For further information please contact Michele Musto 822-4404 or visit the website

www.jewishbytheshore.org