Effort offersmeals, sanctuary

FREEHOLD- Volunteers fromvarious community organizations have announced a plan to provide the working poor and immigrant laborers in Freehold with food and hot beverages several days a week during the winter months. This marks the fourth year of the sanctuary program sponsored by local religious and community organizations.

This year's program will begin on Jan. 5 at the Reformed Church of Freehold, 67 W. Main Street, and run every Saturday, concluding on March 15. The church will be open Saturday mornings from 7 a.m. to noon. Every Saturday breakfast and lunch will be provided at the church.

The Freehold Jewish Center, 59 Broad Street, will provide breakfast on Thursdays from 8-10 a.m. beginning on Jan. 10.

A third meeting location for Friday mornings is being sought.

According to a press release, the I Beseech Thee Community Development Corporation based at the New Beginnings Agape Christian Center, Throckmorton Street, provides funding for the program. The First Presbyterian Church of Freehold provides many of the volunteers through its youth mission program, but people from the community are also encouraged to volunteer.

"It is the mission of the Reformed Church of Freehold to demonstrate God's reconciling love to this community," said Chris Jacobsen, pastor. "We can think of no better way to fulfill our mission than to welcome those in our community in need of a decent meal and sanctuary from the cold. We know that our neighbors in need have many burdens weighing on their minds, and it is our hope that this program will give them some comfort and peace.We are pleased and honored to welcome this program back into our church for another year."

Sandra Whitehill, coordinator for volunteers to the program, said, "We are looking forward to another successful year of providing some comfort to those struggling to put food on their tables during the long winter months. The program brings together people from diverse parts of the community and that in itself is a blessing."

The Rev. Ricky Pierce, executive director of the I Beseech Thee Community Development Corporation, said his organization is seeking contributions to fund the program.

"We are called to serve all of God's children. We pray this program will ease the suffering of those less fortunate and looking for a temporary escape from the cold," Pierce said.

Contributions for the program can be sent to the I Beseech Thee Community Development Corporation, 133 Throckmorton Street, Freehold, NJ 07728. Volunteers will be needed to staff the two locations and those interested should contact Sandra Whitehill.

Other organizations supporting the effort in addition to those mentioned above include the Latino Leadership Alliance of New Jersey (Monmouth Chapter), Casa Freehold, United Day Laborers of Freehold and the Hispanic Affairs Resource Center of Monmouth County.