Labor commissioner helps package, load Christmas hams

FRANKLIN — The Christie Administration continued its Fourth Annual “Season of Service” on Friday, Dec. 19,, as Commissioner Harold J. Wirths of the Department of Labor and Workforce Development loaded dozens of Christmas hams into cars and trucks outside a local supermarket to help the Sussex Help Center package donated holiday dinners and gifts for over 150 families.

The packaged dinners, which will include canned foods and dry goods, were packaged by volunteers at the United Methodist Church on Bank Street in Sussex. The goodies were handed out at the church to needy families tomorrow, Saturday, Dec. 20, in time for the holiday.

Everything was donated and made possible through the generosity of residents, businesses and local organizations throughout Sussex County. Commissioner Wirths joined the effort with his family, church leaders, members of the community and students from local schools.

Each holiday season, cabinet officials in the Christie Administration are active in a variety of charitable efforts, spending time volunteering and highlighting service opportunities through the end of December as part of the "Season of Service" initiative launched four years ago. This month, cabinet officials are particularly focused on services provided to individuals recovering from addiction.

The Sussex Help Center, where Commissioner Wirths and his family traditionally volunteer their time, provides a variety of programs to needy Sussex and Wantage residents. Located in a storefront on Main Street in Sussex Borough, the center is funded through private donations from individuals, businesses and churches. The charity receives no federal, state or government assistance.

The center accepts non-perishable food donations, including canned vegetables, canned meals and fruit, gelatin, pudding, soup, sandwich spread, peanut butter, jelly, tuna fish, mayonnaise, canned meat, macaroni, spaghetti, sauce, rice, tea bags, powdered milk, and sugar-free food for diabetics. To find out more information about donating to the Sussex Help Center or if you know a family in need, please call 973-702-1922.