TOMS RIVER – Although most people bring food home from grocery stores, there were some who were bringing food to a grocery store.
Share The Joy, 100.1 WJRZ’s annual donation drive, once again set up shop by the ShopRite on Fischer Boulevard in Toms River to fill a Pepsi tractor trailer with donations that go to a number of good causes.
They were accepting food donations that would go to Fulfill Monmouth and Ocean’s Toms River Pantry; dog and cat food, pet accessories and toys for the Jersey Shore Animal Center; gift cards, Lego sets, board games, and arts and crafts for ages 6-18 for Big Brothers/Big Sisters of Coastal New Jersey; and monetary donations to any of those organizations.
On the afternoon of a visit from this newspaper, it was Dan Turi’s turn to spin records. The DJ booth was a portable stage near the truck with a covering to protect people from the elements. In between going on the air, he spoke to a reporter about how the need for these supplies never stops, and it’s getting harder for people to be in a position to contribute.
The radio staff were stating that if all you can do is just donate a little, it’s ok, a little goes a long way.
“The demand is up every year,” Turi said. “We’re seeing it more than ever.”
He said that several local schools and businesses made large contributions, and some individuals go the extra mile when collecting from their friends and families. “Some people collect for months for this,” he noted.
Robyn Paciulli-Griffith’s Beachwood home was full of donations that she had to truck over to the site, as she does every year. She was one of the many who were thanked for her generosity.
Jaclyn Farago, marketing director for the radio station, said they were also asking for items like spices that would last long after the holidays.
When speaking to people bringing in items, they heard a similar refrain from many of them: “I’m sorry, I don’t have as much to give this year.”
People still gave what they could and that’s what filled the truck with donations.
