The Season of Giving

Jamesburg has always been known as a community that gives, which is something that makes our community a special place to live. When others have been in need, a neighbor, or the entire community, has opened their hearts and homes. As we approach the 2005 holiday season, the staff of the Jamesburg Network has deemed it appropriate to share information about charitable events and fundraisers occuring throughout the Borough. If you can help in any way, please consider it, whether it be time or monetary. Our community needs to remain strong for those who have less and for those trying to make a difference. We also applaud the efforts of Fiddleheads Restaurant, a new and vibrant source of community spirit in Jamesburg. They are helping to coordinate many of the programs listed below and partnering with other businesses and community organizations.

"Baby, It's Cold Outside": In cooperation with Dr. Debra DeMarco and her staff at Monroe Chiropractic Care (15 East Railroad Avenue), who is spearheading the project for Jamesburg, Fiddleheads Restaurant is collecting clean, new or gently used coats and offering a 5% per-coat discount on Sunday brunch for each coat brought in during the Sundays in November, 10:30 a.m. to 2 p.m., up to a maximum discount of 25%. Coats will be donated to Jersey Cares, the New Jersey- based arm of the annual New York Cares coat drive, made famous on billboards by the image of a shivering Statue of Liberty. Coats may also be dropped off at Monroe Chiropractic Care, which is located next to the Jamesburg Post Office.
Food Drive: The Deacons Cupboard, also known as the Jamesburg Food Bank, is in desperate needs of non-perishable foods and personal care items. Over the past couple months, food levels have been far below normal and some families may have to be turned away if not enough food exists. Often more families and elderly residents participate in the program during the cold winter months. It is especially important that we share the holiday season and spirit with those in need so that their holidays are more memorable. In response, businesses and organizations have been collecting food throughout the Borough. Food may be droped off at Jamesburg Borough Hall, St. James Roman Catholic Church, Fiddleheads Restaurant, Monroe Chiropractic Care, and Bernie Photography.
Collection of Medical Aids: On behalf of Anshe Emeth Community Development Corporation in New Brunswick, Fiddleheads Restaurant is collecting medical aids; i.e., walkers, canes, shower chairs, wheelchairs, commodes, and nebulizers, for free loan to low-income, uninsured people with disabilities. Wheelchairs (in working condition) are the most sought-after of all. All items will be delivered directly to the agency's offices. Please call Fiddleheads at 732-521-0878 if you need assistance unloading any items curbside.
Jamesburg Public Schools Clothing Drive: The Jamesburg Schools are collecting clothes between November 1 and 15. The clothing can be new or used, all sizes (adult and children), and in clean and good condition. They will not be accepting shoes. All clothing can be brought to the JFK School Nurse's Office. For those in need, clothing will be available in JFK Library on the following dates; November 18: 12:30 - 2:30 P.M., November 21: 6:30 - 8:30 P.M., and November 22: 6:30 - 8:30 P.M.
The Jamesburg Civic Association Annual Holiday Party: The Jamesburg Civic Association, known for bringing the circus and fireworks to Jamesburg, is holding their annual holiday party on December 3, 2005 from 7:00 - 9:00 P.M. at Lisco's Country Cafe. The event helps raise money for many town organizations which include; the Jamesburg Schools, Jamesburg Public Library, Jamesburg Police and First Aid, and the Jamesburg Historical Association.
Jamesburg Historical Association 50/50 Raffle: In order to help fund stabilization and renovations projects at Jamesburg's most treasured historical site, Lakeview Mansion, the Jamesburg Historical Association is selling raffle tickets. Tickets are on available now through Decemeber 4, 2005, when the winner will be chosen at the end of the annual Christmas at Buckelew celebration. Tickets are available at Lakeview's open houses; the second and fourth Sundays of the month from 2:00 - 4:00 P.M. Fiddleheads Restaurant is also selling tickets. If any of the winning tickets are sold at Fiddleheads, those winners will also receive a bonus Fiddleheads gift certificate: $25.00 for first prize, $15.00 for second prize, and $10.00 for third prize. The potential top prize, if the historical association sells out all the tickets, is $3,125.00! Tickets are $5.00 each. Visit www.jamesburghistory.com for more information about the raffle.

Participation in any of these charitable events ensures that those around Jamesburg receieve the best. However, if you cannot participate in any of these programs, you are encouraged to donate your time to community organizations and activities. The strength of the Jamesburg community comes from its countless citizens who are constantly volunteering, attending events, and giving support to those in need. Become involved, be active. As Thanksgiving nears and the holiday season gets into full swing, all of us at the Jamesburg Network wish you a healthy and happy 2005 holiday season!