Township officials are expressing gratitude to municipal employees, community organizations and local nonprofits following what they described as the largest Thanksgiving distribution Lakewood has ever hosted.
Held on Nov. 22 at Town Square, the outdoor event — open to any resident in need — proceeded despite steady rain and drew hundreds of visitors. More than 1,000 jackets and coats were distributed to men, women and children, alongside a wide array of prepared foods provided by The Soup Kitchen. Fifty households received full Thanksgiving meal baskets, and Lakewood Township sponsored gift cards for an additional 50 families to purchase holiday food.
Township officials said the large-scale effort required months of planning and coordination among municipal departments and community partners. Those involved included Mayor Ray Coles, Township Manager Pat Donnelly, COO Trish Komsa, Assistant Human Resources Director Kelly Boucher, the Lakewood Police Department’s Community Resource Unit, and the Lakewood Community Coalition.
Township leaders also noted that numerous municipal employees contributed beyond their work duties. Staff members donated food and clothing items, and Department of Public Works employee Darryl Tyler organized the holiday meal basket program together with his church, Vision of Promise Ministry International. The Public Works Union, Local 97, donated $1,000 toward the baskets.
School Resource Officers with the Lakewood Police Department independently identified 50 families of public school students in need and helped facilitate the township’s gift card distribution.
A wide network of local religious institutions, nonprofits, businesses, and residential communities contributed items and support, including All Saints Episcopal Church, Calvary Lighthouse, JBJ Soul Kitchen, Farro’s Tees, Fairways at Lake Ridge, The Enclave, Original Leisure Village, Leisure Village East, Lions Head Woods, Four Seasons at Lakewood, Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish, Monmouth Medical Supplies and American Legion Post 166.
“Lakewood Township is immensely proud of the men and women whom we entrust with governance of our large, diverse Township,” Mayor Coles said in a statement. “A sincere thank you to everyone who did their part to make sure that our needy neighbors were happy and taken care of this Thanksgiving.”
Committeeman and Emergency Services Liaison Meir Lichtenstein also thanked those involved, highlighting the role of the Lakewood Police Department.
“The partnership and contributions of municipal employees, nonprofits, businesses and communities highlight the unique feats Lakewood continues to accomplish through our public-private coalitions,” Lichtenstein said.
Township officials said they intend to continue building on these partnerships for future community support initiatives.
