State Officials Volunteer Time to Help HomeFront

Editor's Note: The following is a news release issued by the New Jersey Department of Banking and Insurance.

New Jersey Department of Banking and Insurance Commissioner Tom Considine, along with fellow department representatives, assisted the non-profit organization as they prepared for the holiday season.

Volunteers sorted and organized donated gifts to help ensure they reach their intended recipients in time for the holidays. A group of five learned about HomeFront’s mission and spent time in the organization’s warehouse.

“It was a privilege to assist the staff at HomeFront as they prepare to distribute gifts and food this holiday season,” Commissioner Considine said. “Their efforts to help the homeless and hungry in Mercer County are commendable and I hope other New Jersey residents will recognize their work by donating to this very worthy cause.”

HomeFront provides a comprehensive network of services for the poor and homeless in Mercer County. Their programs provide emergency shelter, transitional and service-enriched, affordable housing. Their mission is to meet the immediate needs of food, shelter and safety and to help troubled families break from the cycle of poverty.

They work with single mothers, single fathers and families with histories of domestic violence, child abuse, drug abuse and welfare. HomeFront also sponsors education and employment programs for both children and parents. They provide preschool, after-school, tutoring and summer camp programs for their children.

Last week Commissioner Considine and department representatives sorted and packed donations at the FoodBank of Monmouth and Ocean Counties. Both events are part of the Season of Service which highlights opportunities for New Jersey residents to give back to their communities. It encourages volunteering and recognizes those who already do so.

 The initiative began the night prior to Thanksgiving when Gov. Christie and his family volunteered their time at the Ladle of Love soup kitchen at St. Mary’s Episcopal Church in Burlington City. Since Thanksgiving, other members of the Administration have volunteered their time at many worthy organizations across the state.