FoodBank honors local teenager

Jack A. Annunziato

The FoodBank of Monmouth and Ocean Counties has selected Christian Brothers Academy senior Jack A. Annunziato as its Junior Humanitarian this year.

Annunziato, who lives in Manalapan and is a senior at CBA in Lincroft, was honored at the FoodBank's annual Humanitarian of the Year Dinner Dance. The gala took place on April 20 at the Robert B. Meyner Reception Center at the PNC Bank Arts Center in Holmdel.

According to a press release, Annunziato's volunteer life covers many areas and is an impressive example of how one person can make a difference. As a member of CBA's youth group, LaSallian Youth, he helps make and distribute dozens of lunches to the homeless and hungry at the Asbury Park train station. He has planned and executed two large Thanksgiving food drives which resulted in the restocking of shelves at the Samaritan Center in Englishtown.

As a volunteer in the emergency department of Monmouth Medical Center, Long Branch, Annunziato helps register and transport patients, delivers their meals, and assists at the front desk. As busy as he is, helping in additional areas such as the Dennis W. Zilinski Memorial Run and as a minister of hospitality for CBA, Annunziato maintains a high grade point average and is a member of the National Honor Society.

Executive Director Susan M. Kelly said, "The FoodBank Junior Humanitar-ian is a young person who realizes that he or she can help make the world a better place. Jack has shown a spirit and commitment that is amazing and the FoodBank is proud to recognize him and his accomplishments."

According to the press release, the FoodBank is extremely proud of Annunziato's donation of time and spirit as well as the efforts of the FoodBank's two Humanitarians of the Year, Joseph Leone Introna of Joe Leone's Italian Specialties and Catering in Point Pleasant Beach, and Lennar of Freehold.