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September 30, 2002

 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                   

 For further information contact:   Cindy Homer, Coordinator            908-753-1855
                                                   Barbara Quinn, FRIENDS            908-754-7140

WATCHUNG’S ADOPT-A-FAMILY PROGRAM CONTINUES WITH HOLIDAY PROGRAMS DESIGNED TO HELP AREA FAMILIES

For the past seven years, Watchung’s Adopt-A-Family Program has coordinated an extensive array of programs designed to help area families through times of crisis and need.  The Adopt-A-Family Program presents an opportunity to bring our community together while helping those less fortunate in our immediate area. 

The FRIENDS of the Watchung Public Library are pleased to be partners with this program.   The Watchung Public Library will serve as “base camp” for the program.  FRIENDS of the Watchung Library Board Member Barbara Quinn commented, “We are very happy to partner with this fantastic program which has helped over a thousand needy families and children in our area.”

Individuals and families who are interested in participating would have an opportunity to ask questions and pick up registration forms from an Adopt-A-Family representative each Saturday at the Watchung Public Library in the Senior’s Room from 10:00am – 12:00noon.   Individuals, families, and community groups are able to pledge to fulfill the holiday wishes of a needy family in our greater community.  Those registering for the program will receive a detailed list of items needed, and would collect the items throughout October and November.  Participants are requested to collect the items at their own homes, and then on December 14^th participants will be asked to drop-off their Adopt-A-Family holiday donations and stay for refreshments at the Watchung Exempt Fireman’s Facility on Mountain Boulevard. 

Area businesses, Watchung Borough employees, residents, scout troops, community groups and anyone interested in helping our needy families are encouraged to participate.

Information on the program would also be listed on the Watchung Public Library website:

             http://www.WatchungLibrary.org/adopt

The program will also include a “Candy-is-Dandy” candy drive for children to donate some of their Halloween candy to underprivileged children.  The Candy-is-Dandy drive will take place on Saturday, November 2^nd from 10am – 12:00noon; Thursday, November 7^th from 7:00pm – 9:00pm; and Saturday, November 9^th from 10:am – 12:00noon.  Candy may be dropped off at the Watchung Public Library lower parking area by the Red Book Barn. 

The program has developed long-term relationships with several agencies in our community, including – Somerset Food Bank, located in Bridgewater behind Extremes Skating Rink; Interfaith Council for the Homeless; Family Counseling Services of Somerset County; and Jersey Battered Women Service.

The program would be run from October – December.  On December 14^th, Adopt-A-Family would sponsor a Drop-off Day at the Firemen’s Exempt Hall, when all participants would drop off their holiday donations in support of the less fortunate families in our community.    Participants would be invited to stay for cookies and refreshments to celebrate a job well-done.

Adopt-A-Family representatives will be available at the Watchung Public Library each Saturday from 10:00am to 12:00noon, beginning October 5^th through December 7^th (except November 30^th), and every other Thursday evening from 7-9pm starting October 3^rd (except October 31^st).