Operating out of the historic St. James Episcopal Church, the Hands of Hope for the Community food bank plays a crucial role in the wellbeing of the Edison community. Since their founding in 1992, they have provided food and essential products to the less fortunate through the hard work and services of local volunteers, many of whom come from Edison High.
Hands of Hope gives food to over two hundred families during services. Despite the challenging task, the organization believes it is worth the effort to make sure no one goes hungry and that everyone can have access to food.
“People are constantly coming here to take advantage of the food here, and that’s what we’re for,” President Charles Tomaro said. A member of the Middlesex Board of Commissioners, he oversees the food drives and organizes finances and state grants. “We’re not here to judge, we’re here to help whenever you need.”
This sentiment is exemplified through the actions of the organization’s volunteers. Some of them directly transport food, while others help register first-time clients. They play a pivotal role in ensuring that Hands of Hope always has the resources to provide for those who need it, while also being an example of the volunteer spirit that younger generations embody.
“They’ve spent so much time and hours helping us. I find it really fulfilling to give them more independence and to give more leadership amongst our volunteers,” volunteer coordinator Kush Patel said. An EHS alum, Patel organizes the work of volunteers and delegates specific tasks for them to perform based on their skills.
Because of the large amount of food they give out during their food drives, procuring finances and state grants are some recurring challenges that Hands of Hope faces.
“We have our monthly expenses, utilities, rent, and insurance that are recurring every month,” Treasurer Aaron Mansbach said. “We have a cash reserve, but if we get low, we’ll hold off any non-discretionary purchases.”
In the face of these challenges, Mansbach believes that the power of collaboration and understanding within the Hands of Hope board has led to their ability to overcome financial difficulties or other adversity they might face.
“It’s all about teamwork; we couldn’t do it if we didn’t work together,” said Mansbach. “You have to be organized, and not be just about you.”
With the ability to work together, Hands of Hope has developed a reputation for being a reliable source of food and essential products for the impoverished and needy. In addition to serving Edison, clients have come from all over New Jersey to receive food and other basic goods.
“We have clients who show up from multiple places other than Edison,” board member and long-time volunteer Raj Juttukonda said. “Our outreach program has been so effective that folks come from Piscataway, Perth Amboy, and other different areas of Middlesex County.”
Hands of Hope believes that in an organization such as a food pantry, there is no such thing as a centralized “leader” or group that controls every aspect of operations. Instead, they view volunteers, clients, and police assistance as central in organizing and working together towards the common goal of ending hunger.
“I don’t see a difference between a board member and a non-board member,” said board member and long-time volunteer Raghu Naik. “Our operations include everyone involved with Hands of Hope: every volunteer, every client, the police. They’re all involved with Hands of Hope.”
Through their volunteering efforts and ability to bring the Edison community together to help end hunger and assist others, the members of Hands of Hope have a message for EHS students to make an impact in their community.
“Don’t forget where you grew up and the community that raised you. Think about giving back to those who are less fortunate,” Patel advised. “It takes all of us to make a better place, and if we work together, we can make it possible.”