St. Thomas Evangelical Church has donated $7,750 to Bergenfield’s community food bank as the Borough continues to serve an increased number of residents during the COVID-19 pandemic. Rev. Prakash John, Varghese P. John, Vinod Thomas and Shaji K. John, all representatives from the church, presented the check to Mayor Arvin Amatorio and Councilmembers on Monday.
“From day one, Bergenfield has strived to connect residents to the essential resources to help meet their everyday needs while we work to combat the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Mayor Arvin Amatorio. “We have been successful in doing this because of the community support and partnerships built over the past several months. The generous donation we received from the St. Thomas Evangelical Church will help put food on the tables of countless families and we are incredibly grateful for their help.”
In light of the virus, Bergenfield has increased the number of residents it serves weekly through the Borough’s food bank. The food bank is currently operating out Cooper’s Pond and is open Monday, Wednesday and Thursday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Residents who are in need of assistance should contact the Borough Administrator’s Office at 201-387-4055 option 6 for more information about how to register. Renovations are currently underway to create a permanent food bank in the basement of Borough Hall.
“The outpouring of support from local organizations, businesses and residents has made all the difference in our push to serve our neighbors in need during this difficult time,” said Councilman Marc Pascual. “We are so appreciative of the St. Thomas Evangelical Church and its members for their contribution to our food bank because this donation will help our mission to ensure that no Bergenfield resident goes hungry or without a meal to eat.”