From the the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints:
On Sunday Dec., 5, 2021, in Morristown, the Rev. Sidney Williams Jr., his wife Teresa Williams and the Table of Hope Food Pantry received the Light the World Award given by the Morristown Stake of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
Over the last 18 months, the Williams’ have played a crucial role in helping to distribute food to families struggling through the COVID-19 Pandemic.
Rev. Williams is the pastor of Morristown’s Bethel A.M.E. Church and Teresa is the executive director of the Table of Hope.
Together, for the last nine-plus years, Rev. Sidney and Teresa Williams have helped to establish the Spring Street Community Development Corporation (CDC).
They have worked to combat food insecurity in Morris County with the idea of providing a warm meal, a smile, and a place “where Hope starts and the Community gathers to share.” Several programs have emerged from Spring Street CDC, including Table of Hope.
During the pandemic, Table of Hope mobile food pantries were set up in Dover, Parsippany, Morristown and the Community College of Morris, along with other pop-up locations.
From January through October 2021, at least 26,575 families were served by the mobile food pantries operated by Table of Hope. An additional 15,674 families in Morristown were served with hot meals.
This past month, the Williams’ and Table of Hope also helped run a Thanksgiving food distribution event at County College of Morris. Individuals received turkey, fresh produce, canned goods and dairy products for a complete holiday meal.
The Light the World Award was presented by William H. Ludlam, president of the Morristown Stake of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
Stake of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, presents Light the World Award to Pastor Sidney Williams Jr and Teresa Williams, Dec. 5, 2021. Photo courtesy of the church.
State Assemblywoman Aura Dunn (R-25th Dist.) presented a state resolution passed in honor of the Williams. Other speakers included Table of Hope volunteer 10-year old Emma Kofford, Mayor Carolyn Blackman of Dover, Morris County Commissioner John Krickus, and Sheriff James Gannon of Morris County.
A monetary donation to Spring Street CDC, and a 2022 commitment from The Church for further food donations was included with the award.
The Light the World award was created four years ago as part of an initiative to highlight tremendous community impact in Northern New Jersey. It is an initiative from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints to show love and service to others.
Individuals or groups are nominated for the award as they exhibit community service and help to spread light and joy to others. The Light the World award is given in conjunction with an annual Community Nativity Exhibit put on every December in Morristown.
“We are thrilled to recognize Rev. Sidney and Teresa Williams and the Table of Hope for their Service to the community,” said President Ludlam.
“We are grateful for all they do for the residents of Morris County. The partnerships they have forged with various organizations have increased the reach and impact of their humanitarian efforts in Morris County.”
As many in Morris County have experienced some dark days over the last two years, through the Table of Hope, Rev. Sidney and Teresa Williams remind us there still is great light and hope in this world. To donate or volunteer at Table of Hope click here or here.
If you are looking for other service opportunities this Christmas season, here is a calendar with daily ideas for service throughout the month of December.
Many thanks to Teresa and Rev. Sidney Williams, and to all the volunteers who make Table of Hope happen. This is an important service to families in our community and much appreciated. I wasn’t aware that you served so many locations. This is a well-deserved recognition for a family that has helped Morristown in so many ways. I’m happy to contribute to Table of Hope. Thank you for including the link here.
What a source of strength, hope and support the Table of Hope provides to citizens who rely on it. The efforts of Teresa and Sidney Williams more than deserve this recognition. Morristown is fortunate to have them as part of our community, a term to which their presence gives special meaning. Congratulations!!! And thank you! Thank you for all you do for those in need among us.