Third Annual Food Drive and Bake Sale: Join Us in the Fight Against Food Insecurity for the Elderly!

It's that time of year again!

We're super excited to be having our 3rd annual Food Drive and Bake Sale in Hazlet, NJ on October 4th and 5th.

Please stop by if you are in the area for some sweet treats, or consider donating food or $ to a great cause!!

For those in the Fleetwood/Dartmouth section of Hazlet, we came by earlier in the week to drop off a brown paper bag/packet with additional details. If you'd like to donate non-perishable food, you can either leave it at your doorstep and we'll be driving by every couple of hours to do pickups or you can drop it off at 16 Dartmouth Drive.

The weather looks great this weekend, come on by!!

Hazlet Food Drive & Bake Sale: A Heartwarming Success

This year’s Hazlet Food Drive and Bake Sale proved to be an incredible testament to the power of community and compassion. Thanks to the generosity of our neighbors, we raised over $2,500 and collected nearly 200 bags of food, all of which were delivered to St. John’s Food Pantry. In fact, the outpouring of support was so extraordinary that we needed to rent a U-Haul to transport everything—what a wonderful problem to have!

Coming Together for a Greater Cause

From the initial planning stages to the excitement of the big day, this event was a team effort. A heartfelt thank you goes out to everyone who contributed—those who baked, sorted, donated, promoted, and showed up with helping hands and warm hearts. Your dedication turned an idea into a truly impactful initiative. Special thanks to the volunteers who worked tirelessly behind the scenes, ensuring every detail was taken care of, and to our local businesses who helped spread the word.

Supporting Families in Need

Food insecurity affects more families than we might realize. It’s heartbreaking to think that some parents go to bed worried about how they’ll feed their children the next day. The donations we gathered will help St. John’s Food Pantry provide relief to those struggling to put food on the table. This isn’t just about canned goods and dollar bills—it’s about hope and community.

The Ripple Effect of Giving

Community service benefits more than just the recipients. For those of us who participated, this event was a chance to connect, give back, and gain a new perspective. Studies show that acts of kindness can improve mental health, reduce stress, and foster a sense of belonging. The satisfaction of knowing we’ve made a difference—no matter how small—reminds us of what truly matters.

Looking Ahead

We couldn’t be prouder of what our community achieved together, and we’re already looking forward to next year’s food drive. Until then, let’s continue supporting initiatives that uplift others. After all, when a community comes together, there’s no challenge too big to overcome.

Thank you, Hazlet, for proving that kindness is alive and thriving. Together, we made a difference—one donation, one smile, and one kind act at a time.

If you’d like to learn more about supporting St. John’s Food Pantry or get involved with future initiatives, reach out. Together, we can continue to make a positive impact!

Second Annual Food Drive and Bake Sale: Join Us in the Fight Against Food Insecurity for the Elderly!

As the leaves turn and the air becomes crisp, it's that time of year again! We are thrilled to announce the Second Annual Food Drive and Bake Sale hosted by Meraki Care Management. This event is not just a way to bring our community together; it's a crucial effort to raise awareness and support for the alarming issue of food insecurity among our elderly population.

Why This Matters

Food insecurity among seniors is a growing concern. Many older adults face challenges that make accessing nutritious food difficult—whether it’s limited mobility, financial constraints, or lack of transportation. At Meraki Care Management, we believe that everyone deserves access to healthy meals, and our food drive aims to provide some relief to those in need.

Event Details

Date: October 12th & 13th

Time: 9am - 3pm

Location: 16 Dartmouth Drive, Hazlet NJ

Join us for a day filled with community spirit, delicious baked goods, and the chance to make a difference! There will be a face painter on Sunday from 11am-2pm as well!!

How You Can Help

1. Donate Non-Perishable Food Items: We will be collecting items such as canned goods, pasta, rice, and other shelf-stable foods. Every little bit helps!

2. Baked Good: Come by for some delicious baked good. Some of them donated by local bakeries and businesses, others baked from our very own group of friends and family.

3. Volunteer: Last year, we had an incredible turnout thanks to our amazing friends and family who volunteered their time. Whether you can help set up, manage the bake sale, or assist with collection efforts, your help is invaluable!

Last Year’s Success

Reflecting on our first annual event, we were overwhelmed by the generosity and support from our community. From smiling faces to the mountains of food we collected, it was heartwarming to see everyone come together for such an important cause. Last year, we raised $2000 and 1200 lbs of food that was all donated to Fulfill of Monmouth County.

Join Us This Year!

This year, we aim to make an even bigger impact. With your help, we can gather more food, raise more awareness, and support more seniors in our community.

Together, let’s create a stronger support system for our elderly neighbors who need our assistance. Please mark your calendars, spread the word, and consider getting involved.

For any questions or if you’d like to volunteer or donate, feel free to reach out to us at betsy@merakicarenj.com.

Let’s come together to show that we care—because every little bit helps. See you at the bake sale!

This year all proceeds will be donated to St. John's United Methodist Food Pantry of Hazlet

---

We can't wait to see you there and make a difference together! Thank you for your support in this vital cause.