Wreath Sponsorship Will Help Needy Local Families This Holiday Season

The wreaths that line the white picket fences on Rt. 24 and Newburgh Road bring beauty to an already gorgeous time in Washington Township.

Their purpose, however, is more than just holiday decoration.

The ninth annual Sponsor a Wreath program is underway to support local families in need this holiday season, as part of the Interfaith Community Outreach of Washington Township Area (ICOWTA).

Sponsoring one of the wreaths costs $20 for the season, and the funds will go directly to the residents’ Emergency Fund and the Washington Township Food Pantry located at the Long Valley Presbyterian Church.

The emergency fund helps families and individuals in crisis such as a house fire, accident, illness or unemployment. Residents are referred by local clergy, schools, social workers, school nurses, fire and police personnel.

The program’s contribution to the funds is necessary each year, but 2013 is different. Earlier this year Patch reported that the Washington Township Food Pantry is serving an all-time high number of families in the area, as 70 households are currently registered to receive aid.

Collection envelopes are located at Ort Farms, Hoffman’s Supply True Value, Peapack Gladstone Bank, the Washington Township Library, Long Valley Pharmacy, and Schooley’s Mountain General Store.

Donations for the wreaths can be sent directly to:
ICOWTA c/o Long Valley Presbyterian Church
39 Bartley Road
Long Valley, NJ 07853