Crisis Ministry Lost Stockroom as Well in Fire

Donations are pouring in to help the Crisis Ministry of Princeton and Trenton following , but more help is urgently needed.

The fire destroyed not only the Trenton food pantry, but also its entire stockoom, Crisis Ministry’s Executive Director Carolyn Biondi said on Monday.

“We lost everyone on the shelves ready to go, and we lost the entire stockroom,” Biondi said.

Crisis Ministry provides food to the needy throughout Mercer County so if you are able to help, please consider either a monetary or food donation.

“Both are really helpful right now,” Biondi said. “It’s whatever people feel inclined to give. We’re very grateful.”

Crisis Ministry plans to extend food pantry hours at its recently opened satellite food pantry at Bethany Presbyterian Church, located 400 Hamilton Street in Trenton. The Princeton food pantry hours at Nassau Presbyterian Church remain the same this week, Monday through Thursday 1:30 p.m. to 4 p.m.

Crisis Ministry’s administrative operations and the Homelessness Prevention program will be closed on today and Tuesday but hopefully will be operating at an alternate location beginning on Wednesday.

The fire happened at 123 E. Hanover Street in Trenton and the Trenton Fire Department responded quickly and had the fire under control in less than an hour, according to Crisis Ministry. 

The cause of the fire is still undetermined, Biondi said.

Want to help? Here are several ways:

1. Click here to make on online donation to Crisis Ministry. 
2. Write a check to the  and drop it off at  or . 
3. Donate food to Crisis Ministry's Princeton food pantry in the basement of . Food donations are also being accepted at ,  and . Here's a list of preferred items:

• Canned proteins (tuna, salmon, chicken, chili) 
• Fresh fruits and vegetables
• Shelf-stable milk (like Parmalat) 
• Peanut butter  
• Canned potatoes  
• Cans of fruit, low-fructose  
• Hot cereal (oatmeal, grits, cream of wheat)   
• Small/medium box of cold cereal   
• 1–2 lbs. pasta 
• Boxed macaroni and cheese 
• 2 lbs. rice   
• 1 lb. dried beans  
• Honey (plastic container) 
• Toothbrushes and toothpaste
• Shampoo and conditioner 
• Razors and shaving cream
• Soaps and lotions
• feminine hygiene products

4.   Shop at McCaffrey's and donate your receipts within three months. Mail your McCaffrey's receipts to Crisis Ministry at 123 E. Hanover St., Trenton, NJ 08608, or leave them in the designated boxes at Nassau Presbyterian Church or Trinity Church in Princeton. Crisis Ministry receives 1 percent of the total value of the receipts.