Assemblyman Anthony M. Bucco, Bethel AME Pastor Sidney Williams Jr., CTAA Volunteer Ahmet Yoruklu. Photo courtesy Assemblyman Bucco.
By Berit Ollestad
Assemblyman Anthony M. Bucco (R-25th Dist.) knows a lot of people.
So when Ahmet S.Yoruklu, director of the Turkish Cultural Center in Passaic, called him recently to ask for worthy organizations in need of food donations, the legislator quickly identified The Table of Hope in Morristown.
More than 100 pounds of beef stew meat and a turkey were brought there for guests to enjoy.
“During the holidays Turkish people are required to give one-third of their meat to others that are in need in order to honor their traditions,” said Yoruklu.
“We have all this food that will keep a lot of people from going hungry this holiday season. Especially with everything that is currently going on in the world, it’s important for us to share our customs and traditions with others,” he said.
Bucco said he welcomed the chance to help.
“My family has served the people of New Jersey for many years and we are so blessed. We live in a very wealthy county and oftentimes it’s overlooked that there are so many people right here that are struggling. This generous donation will give us the opportunity to help people that are close to us,” he said.
Bucco praised Pastor Sidney Williams Jr., who started the Table of Hope at the Bethel A.M.E. Church.
“The Pastor is doing a great job here and we are happy to support him. It’s no talk and all action here,” the Assemblyman said.
“That’s what a ‘community of caring’ is all about. Regardless of politics or religion, it’s about finding common ground to help the community,” said Williams, who ran for town council last month in the Second Ward.
