THE SPIRIT OF SERVICE: Volunteers at the HomeFront Choice Food Pantry prepare food to be delivered to hungry families. HomeFront’s Week of Hope, February 12-17, invites visitors to join in a variety of volunteer opportunities and educational forums and to learn how to make a difference where help is needed in the community. (Photo courtesy of HomeFront)

By Donald Gilpin

Diaper wrapping for families in need, delivering meals and supplies to area motels, an art event in Hopewell, a bus tour to learn about HomeFront’s more than 35 different programs, lunch with HomeFront CEO Sarah Steward —during its Week of Hope, from February 12 to 17, HomeFront is offering an array of volunteer and educational opportunities for everybody to get involved and make a difference in the community.

“I always look forward to the Week of Hope as its brings us together with community members committed to making a difference through service,” wrote HomeFront CEO Sarah Steward in an email. “It’s a time to connect, learn, and address the challenges of poverty and homelessness in a meaningful way. Join us by signing up for opportunities throughout the week. And learn more about how you can make a real, tangible impact in the lives of our neighbors in need.”

Founded in 1991, the Lawrence-based nonprofit organization provides shelter on any given night to more than 500 individuals, two-thirds of them children. Last year 18,500 hungry local people were fed by HomeFront through the distribution of free bags of groceries, and 68 long-term unemployed were successfully placed in jobs or received their high school diplomas.

Seeking to help families end homelessness and break the cycle of poverty by “harnessing the caring, resources, and expertise of the community,” according to HomeFront’s mission statement, “We lessen the immediate pain of homelessness and help families become self-sufficient. We work to give our clients the skills and opportunities to ensure adequate incomes, and we work to increase the availability of adequate, affordable housing. We help homeless families advocate for themselves individually and collectively.”`

Every day of the week of February 12 there are several chances to join Week of Hope activities. 

On Monday afternoon, from 5:30-6:30 p.m., a “How You Can Help” volunteer orientation will take place at HomeFront headquarters, 1880 Princeton Avenue in Lawrence Township, providing information about HomeFront, its programs, and opportunities to get involved.  

Earlier in the day on Monday, February 12, volunteers will be working at HomeFront’s Freestore at 1000 Division Street in Trenton, assisting with incoming donations and organizing the store; assisting with the Our Choice Food Pantry at the Lawrence headquarters, where members serve more than 200 families in a four-hour period each day; and working at home to “Bake Some Love” in the form of nut-free treats for children experiencing homelessness and currently living in motels.

On Tuesday at 5:30 p.m., HomeFront’s Treasure Trove at 31 West Broad Street in Hopewell will host a “Share the Love” art event, with guests and volunteers invited to “join us to paint and sip while learning more about our work.”  Also needing volunteers on Tuesday, February 13, will be the Choice Food Pantry, as well as the Double Helpings team, which will be delivering hot meals and necessary supplies to people experiencing homelessness and living in area motels.

On Wednesday, February 14, HomeFront is seeking volunteers to bake cupcakes at home or bring Valentine’s goodie bags for children and families staying at the HomeFront emergency shelter. At 11 a.m. interested participants will gather at 1880 Princeton Avenue for the HomeFront Bus Tour, where they will learn about HomeFront’s work and the scope of all the HomeFront programs, as they accompany CEO Steward on a private bus tour.

Thursday’s offerings include volunteer work at the Freestore, in the Choice Food Pantry, and in the delivery of meals and supplies to homeless people in need at area motels, as well as an 11 a.m. tour of the HomeFront main office, food pantry, and diaper resource center. 

Rounding out the Week of Hope at the Lawrenceville headquarters will be “Lunch & Learn with Sarah” on Friday at 12 p.m., when visitors are invited to dine with the CEO and learn more about HomeFront’s programs and services and the issues clients face every day; and, on Saturday, February 17 from 1-3 p.m., diaper wrapping for HomeFront families.

HomeFront Community Engagement Manager Gina Davio recommends the rich “smorgasbord of family-friendly events during the Week of Hope, designed to illustrate that volunteers themselves can make a difference in the lives of individuals and families that they serve. It’s a chance to give back.”

The HomeFront website points out that now, more than ever, “it’s important that HomeFront continues to mobilize and provide the holistic wraparound services for parents and children that can signify a new, better beginning.”

Visit homefrontnj.com for more information and registration for Week of Hope events.