TOMS RIVER – Regular donators – and complete strangers – came out to help people and animals in need once again this year.
A season of giving culminates in a 50-foot Pepsi tractor trailer parked outside the ShopRite on Fischer Boulevard in Toms River. WJRZ broadcasts live, encouraging people to pop over and help in any way they can.
“Our annual ‘Share the Joy’ at 100.1 WJRZ shows just how much our listeners continue to come through for their neighbors in need at the holidays,” program director Matt Knight said. “We were able to collect over 10,000 pounds of food as well as pallets of pet supplies and toys to benefit Fulfill, Jersey Shore Animal Center & Big Brothers/Big Sisters of Coastal New Jersey. Events like this prove that the local Monmouth/Ocean community cares for their own, and we couldn’t be prouder of our listeners and sponsors that made this year’s event such a success to fill the Pepsi truck with such generous donations.”
One such donator was Robyn Griffith, who turns her Beachwood home into a collection site every year. There’s so much she has to recruit people to bring everything over.
A number of people called her to offer donations after seeing it in the paper or online.
It has become more than just a local event. There were state representatives from the Elks. And Santa Claus came down from the North Pole.
Volunteers and radio personnel pose at the latest Share The Joy collection. (Photo courtesy Barry Bendar)
There were fewer people who volunteered, but more people who need help. According to the Community Food Bank of New Jersey, there were more than 725,000 people with food insecurity this year, and more than 175,000 of them were children. Compare this to last year, where the total was 600,000, with 125,000 being minors.
Troop 83 helped collect food and supplies for the sixth year in a row.
The Boy Scouts did a tremendous job, Griffith said. “Both their scout masters and parents should be proud for a job well done.”
She said it was an emotional time because she used to do this with her husband, Joseph D’Ambro.
“I wish Joe was here to see it,” she said.
Once the donations are sorted, they are then turned over to three local organizations:
Fulfill, formerly the Food Bank of Monmouth and Ocean, which is looking for non-perishable food items and frozen turkeys.
The Jersey Shore Animal Center, which is looking for dog and cat food, pet toys, and blankets.
Big Brothers/Big Sisters of Coastal NJ, which is looking for gift cards, board games, Lego sets, and arts and crafts kits for ages 6-18.
All three groups could also use monetary donations.
Want To Help?
Robyn Griffith said she’ll still be collecting toys, food and other things for local people in need until December 22.
She asked that people can contact her if they are interested in helping. If sending an email, write “Share the Joy” in the subject line so she knows it’s not junk mail. She can be reached at 848-333-7318, rnofgnt@yahoo.com, 222 Anchor Avenue, Beachwood, NJ 08722.
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