Cranford Family Care celebrated its 78th year of service at Hanson House on June 16, 2014. Following the last Cranford Family Care Board meeting of the season, before taking a break for the summer, board members and invited guests shared in the success of another year helping our community members in need.
With generous support from many, this year Cranford Family Care ensured that 58 families were able to stay in their homes by providing financial assistance for housing and utilities, among other basic survival needs. Through its Food Pantry, an even greater number of families were provided with food from the basics like cereal, condiments, and pasta to fresh meat and special holiday meals.
This was accomplished with major support from Project Home, the Cranford Jaycees, Cranford Rotary Club, and the United Way of Cranford, as well as donations from and volunteering by myriad scouting troops, religious congregations, organizations, schools, and individuals too numerous to name.
A special note of gratitude is extended to the Cerebral Palsy League of Cranford and Jardine Academy for our office and storage space partnership. This, and the help of many volunteers, ensures that the greatest percentage of donations goes directly to those in need. More than 92 cents of every dollar contributed makes a difference in the lives of those in crisis.
Services for families in need will continue throughout the summer at 61 Myrtle Street in Cranford. Donations of food, particularly non-perishable food like mashed potatoes, rice and ready to serve side dishes, jam or jelly, coffee, mayonnaise, ketchup, pickles, relish, and powdered drink mixes such as iced tea and lemonade, are greatly appreciated during these less traditional months of giving. Please call 908-276-3530 before making a delivery to ensure someone is there to receive it; no items may be left in front of the building. And, of course, financial donations are always welcomed.
Founded in 1936 as a response to the Great Depression, Cranford Family Care’s philosophy is one of neighbors helping neighbors. It provides short-term, emergency assistance to families living in Cranford. The most common form of assistance is help with rent, mortgage payments and utilities. Assistance can take the forms of monetary contribution or a donation of food from their pantry. Families seeking assistance from Cranford Family Care must prove residency in Cranford and fill out an application.
