Warwick Ecumenical Council distributes 260 Christmas food baskets

WARWICK — Volunteers for the Warwick Ecumenical Council collected and distributed 260 Christmas Food Baskets at the Warwick United Methodist Church on 17A and Forester Avenue on Friday, Dec. 20.

According to Chairperson Marge Koopman, this community wide effort, which brought volunteers together from the entire town, resulted in another record number of food baskets delivered to needy families.

The number of baskets was higher than last year's 250 and Koopman explained that late requests could make the final tally higher

"We are very grateful and thankful for all the support we've received," she said, "We continue to be amazed at the generosity of the people in this wonderful community of Warwick. We thank everyone who donated food and donations and all our volunteers for their service. This is a blessed day. Thank you, Warwick."

Local businesses that contributed to the event included, but are not limited to, The Landmark, Pioneer Restaurant, Subway, CD Bagels, Ochs Orchards and ShopRite.

Many of the donations, especially toys, came from the Angel Tree, which had been set up on Main St. in the Village of Warwick, during the celebration of Home for the Holidays.

Each year at this time individuals and organizations are invited to adopt a family and to provide baskets and gifts, donate cash, collect food and toys or volunteer on the distribution day.

The Warwick Ecumenical Council urges residents and businesses to reach out and make a difference to a disadvantaged family or a lonely senior.

The council's food pantry is located at a facility inside the United Methodist Church.

"In this current economy," said Food Pantry Director Michele Carter, "we are more in need than ever for donations of cash, food and clothing."