Where did the time go? The Executive Message was launched one year ago this month to ensure that our website readers were kept informed of all our happenings. We have received very positive feedback not only on these messages but about our entire website. We hope you have had time to view our revised “Who We Are” section to see the slide show that our WebMaster Byron put together in addition to some candid shots on other pages. Our goal is to continually keep our readers informed on the events and/or pertinent information of our organization through these monthly messages and as always we appreciate your feedback.

As you might have seen through our messages during the year or heard by word of mouth we not only provide food for our clients but whenever possible we try to lessen our client’s hardships especially when they have children. We receive donations of school supplies and other items which we distribute to our clients. We are always researching other agencies/organizations, etc. that offer other amenities to see if our clients can benefit from what they are offering. If you have knowledge of services that would benefit our clients please contact us and let us know.

On October 31st we will be hearing knocks on our doors and door bells ringing. You open the door to find a group of sometimes scary faces, funny faces, etc. and then you hear the words “Trick or Treat”. Yes, it’s Halloween! The children enjoy dressing up and going door to door in hopes of receiving lots of goodies so make sure you have lots of treats. Happy Halloween!

Our latest status:

1. The KMFP Board of Trustees would like to publicly welcome two (2) new members to the board: Sandra Currie as Treasurer and Ken Connors as a member. These individuals have a wealth of knowledge and will be an asset to our organization. We would also like to welcome our newest volunteer Pam Salvano who has been assisting us with the pantry’s administrative work.

2. We signed up with the One Warm Coats organization in hopes of receiving 100 coats to distribute to our clients. To learn more on this program visit: www.onewarmcoat.org

3. We are currently signing up the children of our clients for the United Way 4th Annual Snowflake Drive. To learn more on this program visit: www.uwmonmouth.org/Volunteer_Donate/snowflake.html

4. We would like to thank Project Linus for their donation of over 100 handmade items (blankets, scarves, hats and booties) to be distributed to our clients. We have signup with them and will receive additional donations as needed. To learn more on this program visit: www.blankiedepo.org

5. We would like to thank Christian Bolte and Terri Bolte of The Clever Hen, 34 W. Front Street, in Keyport for offering to do a fundraiser to benefit our organization. More details on this event to follow in the upcoming months.

6. The Middletown United Methodist Church is currently working on a fundraiser for our new building.

7. We have been contacted by the Washington-National Radio who wants to do a story on our process for Food Stamps. More details on this will follow.

8. We would like to thank Mr. Luminoso for publishing our services in the Fall issue of the Union Beach Newsletter. To view visit www.unionbeach.net

9. We should be hearing soon from the NJ State Legalized Games of Chance Control Commission on the approval of our application to conduct 50/50 raffles.

10. We continue our research on Federal, State and Local grants that are available and submit applications whenever we meet the criteria. We are waiting for feedback on some of the grant applications we have submitted and hope to receive a positive response.

11. We continue to receive donations toward our new building fund. Please help us so that we can meet our goal of providing a better quality of life for our clients.

Isaiah G. Cooper
Executive Director
Keyport Ministerium Food Pantry, Inc.