“Merry Christmas to me. I’m about to get some goodies. Ima freeze to get this,” said Camden Resident Odessa McNeil.
McNeil was one of more than 300 Camden residents who braved the cold Monday, with smiles and excitement, for a holiday food giveaway.
Almost 30,000 pounds of fresh food was offered at the second annual holiday food giveaway sponsored by Jack Ayoub, business owner and member of the Arab-Community Church.
“Thanks to Blessing of Hope foundation, which we are partnering with, and the city of Camden, volunteers, public works, mayor’s office, we managed to bring 29,000 pounds of fresh food…,” Ayoub said.
The giveaway included fresh produce, canned goods and nonperishable foods. Residents waited in a long line, some with multiple bags or shopping carts.
Dozens of volunteers handed out the food, encouraging residents to tell their neighbors and come back for more. One of those volunteering, Councilwoman Jannette Ramos, said, “I am a sibling of seven; I grew up from Camden. My mom used to get things from churches and organizations, so I know what it’s like to be without.”
Camden County Commissioner Al Dyer said the food drive provides a major buffer for residents, especially during the holidays.
