Vero Amici Donates $5,000, Followed by 50 Turkeys, to the Local Assistance Board and it's Caldwell Food Pantry

11/25/2014

by Carolyne Volpe Curley / Carolyne@WestEssexNOW.com
Published 9:33pm

Vero Amici members from left: Bob Masella, Patrick Aiello, President Joe Garamella, Pete Pirrello, President Emeritus Vinnie Christopher and Gabe Dimasi, Jr. Credit: Vero Amici

CALDWELL / WEST CALDWELL, NJ - Vero Amici for Charity announced that, on Monday, their philanthropic group purchased 50 turkeys for the Caldwell-West Caldwell Local Assistance Board. The Board's Caldwell Food Pantry was in dire need as it is in the process of providing Thanksgiving meals for many area families.

2014 $5,000 Donation: from left: Vero Amici President Joe Garamella, Local Assistance Board Director Maria Burak, West Caldwell Coordinator Jackie DeBonis and Vera Amici President Emeritus Vincent Christopher Credits: Vero Amici

Vero Amici's Thanksgiving gift comes on top of the $5000 check which the men's group had already given to the board on Thursday, Nov. 13.

Currently, about 84 families make use of local assistance on a monthly basis. For Thanksgiving, the food pantry is expecting to make up over 120 baskets for those who are not able to provide the traditional holiday dinner for their families.

In the past seven years, Vero Amici has donated over 400 turkeys to Caldwell's food pantry and has donated $35,000 to help keep the food bank stocked throughout the year.

2013 Turkey Donations: from left: Vero Amici Trustee Dominick Aiello, Local Assistance Board Director Maria Burak, Vera Amici President Emeritus Vincent Christopher, President Joe Garamella, member Bob Davison and member Gianni Siniscalchi Credits: Vero Amici

At the Nov. 13 gathering, Vero Amici's President Joseph Garamella presented the Board Director Maria Burak with the substantial donation. Also present for the occasion was West Caldwell's Board Chair Rose Marie Jackie DeBonis. Garamella recounted to the audience how, seven years ago, Burak had contacted Vero Amici requesting 50 turkeys just a few days before Thanksgiving. The men went to Shop Rite and delivered Burak 50 turkeys that day, and thus the tradition began.

"You do not realize how many people cannot afford a turkey dinner on Thanksgiving right here in the West Essex community," Garamella commented. "We're not talking inner cities, we're talking right here in our own backyards. When we got her the turkeys, it was then that she told us
how fast the food comes in and how fast it goes out and
how many families here really can't afford to put food on their table."

The assistance board is involved with many aspects of the community's welfare. As she accepted the donation, Burak described how the board had just helped a single mom with three kids stay in their home. Community groups, area schools, local scouts and religious organizations all help to provide food donations for the pantry.

Yesterday, despite the many turkey donations the food pantry had already received, Burak again notified Vero Amici that many more were needed.

"Yesterday, Maria Burak called to say that the pantry
was desperately in need of turkeys
to distribute to local families within the community
for the upcoming Thanksgiving holiday," explained Garamella.
"Once Maria called and told us about the turkey shortage, we acted right away."

Burak explained the Local Assistance Board donations are used to provide emergency assistance to people.

"If someone's lights get turned off, for instance,
we're able to help them," Burak explained.
Or if someone can't pay their rent and are about to be evicted.
It makes you feel good that you are able to do
different things for the people of the town when they really need it."

Garamella expressed that part of Vero Amici's mission as a charity is to help promote local awareness of those in the community who are in need.

"We are here to make the community aware that
there are people and families in our area that are less fortunate
and in need of assistance," stated Garamella.
"They could be your neighbor or someone who sits next to you at church.
We are asking that the West Essex community please help
by donating food or money to the Local Assistance Board.”

Donations
Donations to the Local Assistance Board and Caldwell Food Pantry may be mailed or delivered to the following address:
Local Assistance Board
14 Park Avenue
Caldwell, NJ 07006

Vero Amici for Charity was established in December, 2005, by local men from the West Essex community. The mission of Vero Amici, which translates to "True Friends," is to raise money through charitable contributions that are dedicated for children, citizens with disabilities, senior citizens and under-privileged youths who need medical or financial assistance and to promote local awareness in our communities. The values of Vero Amici come from the individuals that make up their association. These individuals are compassionate, committed and most importantly, caring.

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