BY SUSAN McTIGUE
FOR NORTHERN VALLEY PRESS
CLOSTER, N.J.—Volunteers from the Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage real estate office in town hosted a food drive for the Closter Food Pantry during the weekend of April 27.
In addition to its own volunteers, Boy Scouts from Haworth Troop 73 lent their support by handing out a list of items that were most needed as they greeted shoppers at Closter’s Stop & Shop on Demarest Avenue. As generous shoppers exited the store, they left behind bags containing canned goods, pet supplies, cleaning supplies, and other healthy eating options. Within a short time, shopping carts were overflo
wing with donations.George Violick works for Coldwell and is also the assistant scoutmaster of Troop 73. Along with Scout Master Achilles Gatanas, the leaders knew that involving their scouts would be a perfect match for the event. Scouts Liam and Robbie Osder, along with Teddy and Perry Gatanas, all expressed surprise when they learned how much need neighbors in their own communities had for extra food and household supplies.
They explained, “We all live in pretty affluent communities, so we’ve learned an important lesson about how we need to understand and support our neighbors who may be struggling.”
The Closter Food Pantry, under the auspices of the Closter Food and Assistance Board, is located on the ground floor of borough hall. Community members can leave non-perishable food in the grocery cart near the elevator. Grocery store gift cards and cash/checks can be dropped off at the Tax Office window on the first floor. The pantry is open once a month with both day and evening hours, with weekly disbursements made of fresh bread and seasonal produce. Special provisions are available during the holidays.
Arlene Garber, one of three care ambassadors at Coldwell Banker, expressed her satisfaction with the food drive.
“We’ve also collected more than $500 in donations and expect much more to come into the office,” she said.
The Coldwell Cares program has given more than $1 million to charities supporting local communities in New Jersey and Rockland County since its inception in 2005.