Morristown’s Table of Hope asks for help to get through summer

Susan Hunter of the Morris County Sheriff's Office volunteers at Table of Hope, MLK Day 2015. Photo by Berit Ollestad
Susan Hunter of the Morris County Sheriff's Office volunteers at Table of Hope, MLK Day 2015. Photo by Berit Ollestad
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The unofficial arrival of summer means it’s time to hit the beach.

Which is welcome news for everyone…except for Morristown’s Table of Hope, according to the Rev. Sidney Williams Jr.

“The summer months are always the toughest,” said Williams, pastor of Bethel A.M.E. Church. “People go on vacation and donations get a little short.”

Now in its fourth year, Table of Hope serves free dinners to the needy on weeknights, and hosts a food pantry that distributes free food on Thursdays.  The operation is based at the church and is affiliated with Williams’ Spring Street Community Development Corp., a nonprofit.

Williams said he hopes to raise $15,000 to keep the soup kitchen running smoothly through the summer months. Volunteers also are welcome, along with donations of sugar, spices, flour, coffee and water, he said.

The Rev. Sidney Williams Jr., addressing 2017 Morris County Memorial Day ceremony in Morristown. Photo by Kevin Coughlin
The Rev. Sidney Williams Jr., addressing 2017 Morris County Memorial Day ceremony in Morristown. Photo by Kevin Coughlin

The Table of Hope closed briefly in March 2016; generous donors came to the rescue.

Williams said Table of Hope serves about 100 meals nightly.  Many of its guests are Latino day laborers, he said. Senior citizens tend to come toward the end of each month, when their benefits run low.  Kids show up during the summer, the pastor added.

ShopRite, Trader Joe’s and the Community Food Bank of Hillside have been steadfast contributors of food, he said, and the Presbyterian Church in Mendham, the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority and the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints have sent volunteers on a regular basis.

A beefsteak fundraiser is planned for the fall, Williams said. He requested donations be made to the Spring Street Community Development Corporation, or at the Table of Hope, at 59 Spring St.

 

 

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