Residents, businesses thanked for generosity

BY KRISTIN BOYD
Staff Writer

JAMESBURG - The borough is a long way from the North Pole, but Gini Mundy learned there are a number of Santa Clauses in this tight-knit community.

For more than a month, residents donated nonperishable foods, personal care items and household items during the first "Christmas in July" event, which benefits the Deacon's Cupboard food pantry at the Jamesburg Presbyterian Church.

"Everyone knows to be generous around the holidays, and people are wonderful," Mundy said. "I wanted to remind people to continue giving year-round."

The food pantry had to send a van to pick up all the items during a reception Sunday afternoon, said Mundy, who works at Monroe Chiropractic Care and created the community project with Brian Blatz, co-owner of Fiddleheads Restaurant.

"It was such a delight to see how much people gave," Mundy said. "People are very proud to be a part of a great community. When you give like that, it makes you feel good. On both sides, people are receiving something."

Residents were entered in raffle drawings when they donated food, and eight area businesses offered the prizes, including gift certificates, a therapeutic pillow and a broach.

Robert Gough, owner of Corinthian Capital Group, raffled a gourmet gift basket.

"I saw an opportunity to help out in a way that is much more visible than what I typically do," Gough said. "I thought [Mundy and Blatz] did a great job, and this was their first time doing this. Usually it takes a good number of years for a program to catch on, and I think they're off to a great start."

Gough, who enjoys being a part of the Jamesburg community, said he was surprised to see the number of items donated for the food pantry.

"I think when you're a member of a community, you benefit," he said. "And every benefit has its own responsibility to take care of the community."

Mundy agreed, adding she is thankful that Jamesburg residents rallied around those community members who are less fortunate.

"Once word got out [about Christmas in July], the residents were amazing," she said. "We can keep this going all year round so we can continue to give and make the community better. We care for each other, and I think that shows."