A Morning Volunteering at Cranford Family Care

by Natalie Fidlow
@nfidlow

I decided to volunteer in the spirit of the Thanksgiving season. I had heard a little about Cranford Family Care but didn’t know exactly what they did. Instead of researching and possibly falling into analysis paralysis, I picked up the phone and gave them a call.

Julie Carroll, the director, answered. I rambled on as a timid first-timer, to which Julie politely replied, “When would you like to come in? You could help us stock the pantry. If you prefer grocery shopping, we can have you do that.”

That was easy!

I arrived at my scheduled time and followed a man pushing a cart into the building. The cart overflowed with loaves of bread, and those loaves would be my assignment for the day.

I went to work, dividing and bagging bread into family-size portions. Julie talked to me about Cranford Family Care as she coordinated food and volunteers for the day. She had a fantastic ability to speak, grab a ringing phone, tend to other volunteers, and resume speaking mid-sentence…right where she left off. This lady has multi-tasking down. She also answered all of my questions.

What is Cranford Family Care?

“Families fall on hard times for various and often unexpected reasons  — divorce, an illness, a job loss  — or even a hurricane. Cranford Family Care provides Cranford residents in need of temporary assistance with food and financial support.”

The not-for-profit has held to this mission since its founding in 1936.

What does the assistance look like?

Groceries. During our conversation, Julie bolted to grab the ringing phone. She came back with a grocery order for me to make. The order consisted of a batch of items for cooking meals, snacks, pantry basics, and paper goods. Julie showed me how to thoughtfully pull pantry items that worked for the family’s size and preferences. And bread! Every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, everyone gets bread.

The items are collected in a shopping cart and parked by the front door. Julie will add the eggs, meat, and dairy when the family calls her to let her know they have arrived. She’ll meet them at the front or wheel the cart to their car. Very discreet.

One other food benefit that CFC coordinates are meals for seniors. They started doing this after Hurricane Ida.

Financial support may include temporary assistance with rent or mortgage payments, utility bills, and other expenses.

How have collections for CFC been going?

Julie states that the community has never wavered with support, and in keeping discretion, Julie says that many families have needed help over the last two years. “Cranford used to collect enough food that we could assist in providing food to neighboring towns, but since the Covid-19 Pandemic, that trend has reversed. Many moms had to cut back on work to watch their children at home. And then Hurricane Ida created a great need. Neighbors called, saying people were living on peanut butter for days.” Julie tells me more but also wants to make sure identities stay confidential. “We estimate that it takes people 6-12 months of struggling before they come to us. And while there are various reasons, one is getting over a stigma. Confidentiality helps remove that. No one should delay getting help.”

Another order came in, and I collected items. There was no olive oil. An uneasy feeling hit me in my stomach. What does a food pantry do when they run out of food? “Julie, I can’t find the olive oil.” “Oh, are we out? I’ll add that to the list for the volunteer to pick up some at the store today.” This led to my next question.

How does Cranford Family Care get the funds needed to run?

“We are self-funded. Our fundraising is done through Project Home. Project Home of Cranford, another non-profit, fundraises solely for Cranford Family Care. Their fundraising dollars are used by carefully screening and qualifying Cranford residents who need assistance to remain in the community. The group’s big fundraisers are the town-wide garage sale, a Ladies Night Out dinner, and the Monster Dash race.”

Julie then smiles, “But that’s not all; it’s an all-hands-on-deck mentality. This last Summer, our Pantry has been shallow, so we have been spending $3,000-$5,000 a week to add groceries. Community members also hold fundraisers for us. Groups  — like the Jaycee’s   —  fundraise. Kids run lemonade stands. A community member raffled off a week at her shore house and raised over $8,000! Equally important are donations of food. We are so grateful for the community, and in return, we buy items, gift cards, and food locally.”

How do you get your food donations?

Food drives go a long way. Julie looks forward to other drives coming on board to stock the pantry. Given the uncertain economy, she senses that residents’ needs may increase. The Breadsmith donates bread weekly. Organizations, schools, and individual citizens make a huge difference by donating food and pantry items, toiletries, and paper goods. “We wouldn’t be here without the huge community support from our board, volunteers, and local businesses.”

Who volunteers?

Julie has about 100 regular volunteers that range from 8th grade to 92 years old.

I was lucky enough to meet a couple of the regulars that morning. Patti Folinusz walked in carrying 12 individual meals. She makes meals once a month and coordinates what next month’s meal idea would be with Julie. Then Juan arrived. Juan Perez, a 21-year-old student at the Jardine Academy next door, volunteers three days a week to hone his work skills. Juan is a staple and looking to celebrate his one-year anniversary as a CFC volunteer. He dutifully makes up several meals for seniors and delivers them around town.

I wrapped up my last loaf of bread, and Julie thanked me. I thanked her for letting me be there. What a warm and welcoming place. I’ll definitely be back, and I recommend it to anyone in 8th grade or up looking to help your neighbor with food, money, or your time this season and beyond. Keep it local!

For more information, visit Cranford Family Care’s website at cranfordfamilycare.com or at Cranford Family Care on Facebook.