Community stuffs the bus to feed neighbors in need

NEWTON — Hundreds of faithful and compassionate listeners of WNNJ 103.7, WSUS 102.3 and MAX 106.3 radio talents flocked to First Hope Bank, Weis Markets Newton and Franklin locations, and Franklin Sussex Auto Mall during November to help "Stuff the Bus" with donations to benefit the Department of Human Services, Division of Social Services food pantry, which serves Sussex County residents in need.

WNNJ 103.7 personalities Gary Cee, Borasio and Tony Page and WSUS 102.3 personalities Steve Andrews, Steve Allen, George Fuller and Mel Andrews broadcasted live during several days, while loyal listeners filled buses provided by Sussex County Skylands Ride with their donations. Assemblywoman Gail Phoebus, Sussex County Freeholder Director Phillip Crabb, and Freeholder George Graham attended this years’ event to greet residents and “Stuff the Bus” with donations.

WNNJ 103.7, WSUS 102.3 and MAX 106.3 radio talents have given many a reason to be thankful during the holiday season by hosting the Stuff the Bus food drive for the past eight years. Stuff the Bus collected over 27,450 pounds of food and over $6,500 in monetary donations this year. The monetary donations received this year will allow the pantry to purchase approximately 33,000 pounds of food. Since the first Stuff the Bus was held in 2008, thanks to the help of WNNJ 103.7, WSUS 102.3 and MAX 106.3, over 174,750 pounds of food and over $37,500 has been donated to the Sussex County Food Pantry.

The food pantry at the Division of Social Services provides food to residents in need throughout Sussex County, as well as local food pantries whose shelves are often depleted due to the increasing demand for assistance. Thanks to the continued support of WNNJ 103.7, WSUS 102.3, MAX 106.3 and our generous community, Social Services has been able to keep food pantry shelves stocked throughout these economically difficult times.

The County of Sussex, Department of Human Services, Division of Social Services would like to send a warm thank you to Gary Cee, Borasio, Tony Page, Steve Andrews, Steve Allen, George Fuller, Mel Andrews, WNNJ 103.7, WSUS 102.3, MAX 106.3, Weis Markets, First Hope Bank, Franklin Sussex Auto Mall, Skylands Ride, food pantry volunteers and countless community supporters, as well as the people and businesses who served as a collection site and/or donated to make this food drive such a success.

“Our community really delivered for this important event,” said Sarah Balzano, Sussex County Administrator of Human Services, “thanks to our sponsors, volunteers, staff and the overwhelming response from the residents of Sussex County, we are able to make the holidays a little brighter for those in need.”

If anyone is in need of food for themselves or their family, they can stop by the Division of Social Services, located at 83 Spring Street, Newton, from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. Also, food donations or pet food are accepted during these hours or special arrangements can be made for after-hours donations by calling 973-383-3600.