Needy Families In The Caldwells Get A Bundle Of Holiday Cheer

This holiday season will be a little brighter for area needy families thanks to the efforts of Caldwell's Joanne Zascone, Suzanne Pemrick and numerous tenants who live in Carlyle Towers. 

Zacone and Pemrick delivered an SUV full of food and gifts for needy families on Dec. 16. In addition to the residents’ donations, Zascone and Pemrick procured gift cards and items from ShopRite of West Caldwell, Caldwell Seafood, Stop & Shop, Walgreen’s, Foodtown, Flowerland, Sears Hardware Store, Calandra’s Italian Village, Coach Nail Salon, Home Depot and Dunkin’ Donuts. 

Zascone also created five holiday dinner packages, complete with approximately 30 food items, as well as paper products and gifts for mom and dad and five kid friendly treats packages, complete with popcorn, hot cocoa, candy canes and a gingerbread house kit.

“When I learned of the food and gift collection that the Caldwell Department of Human Services was running, I immediately wanted to help," said Zascone. "I devised a wish list and distributed it to the residents of my building, asking for donations. The result was an overwhelming outpouring of generosity."

The number of needy families increases year after year, said Maria Burak, Director of Health and Human Services in Caldwell. 

"This year we are feeding and giving gifts to over 50 families and what the Carlyle Tower apartment dwellers have donated is a great addition to our efforts," said Burak. 

Caldwell Mayor Ann Dassing said she was proud of the works of Zascone and Pemrick.  

“It is my hope that all of our residents are able to enjoy the festivities that the holidays mean to most of us," said Dassing. 

"The efforts of Joanne, Suzanne, Maria and her volunteers typifies why Caldwell is such a special live place to live, and I thank them from the bottom of my heart for their generosity and kindness."

For more information about volunteering at Caldwell’s Food Pantry, contact Burak at mburak@caldwell-nj.com .