BERKELEY – It might be painful to hear Christmas music on the radio before Thanksgiving plans have even been made, but locals are already collecting donations for people and pets in need.
Robyn Griffith has once again turned her Beachwood home into a collection site. Every year, she inspires her friends and even complete strangers to give. She then packs it all up to go to the Share the Joy event held by WJRZ (100.1).
The radio station’s Share The Joy event takes place when they broadcast live from the ShopRite at 860 Fischer Boulevard in Toms River from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. on November 17 and from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. on November 18. During this time, they’ll be actively collecting and packing away food and supplies that will then be sorted and given to those in need. Pepsi loans out a 50-foot tractor trailer and their goal every year is to fill the truck.
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.
These items to be donated have already been piling up in Robyn Griffith’s home. (photo courtesy Robyn Griffith)
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.
If you aren’t able to drop things off during the radiothon, Griffith said she will collect things and bring them over. She’ll be bringing everything on November 18, which means that November 17 is the last day she’ll accept donations.
“This year has been kind of light compared to previous years,” she said, echoing the sentiment that other people have said when collecting for the needy.
The drive has been going on for about two decades.
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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