The merry, holiday season can often be associated with gift-giving, the raising of certain funds for charities, and toy/gift donations. However, when Santa makes his annual trip around the world on one fateful night, what about those who did not get them? Or those still in need?
Toys and clothes are not the only items collected or in need during the holiday season, and the local town governments of Kinnelon and Pequannock have pitched in immensely in other, unexpected ways.
“We have a food bank in Butler, the Church of the Nazarene. Anyone in need of food can go there if they need it,” said Kinnelon Borough Clerk Karen Iuele. “Baskets for nice dinners are given out all year round, and various festivals like KFest and Halloween events provide free toys for children.”
At the Kinnelon Public Library, various drives have taken place year-round, including those hosted by the Boys & Girl Scouts of Kinnelon, as well as Kinnelon High School-run drives. Librarian Beate Amos has facilitated these drives.
“At one point, the Girl Scouts had a job to collect plastic bags from all over community members. It was extremely successful,” said Amos. “The bin filled in no time.”
Not only does Kinnelon provide for those who need a helping hand, but Pequannock, which holds the given powers of maintaining the wellbeing of all in need, is home to the Dial-A-Ride service, with Diane Pezzuti as the head. The service offers free bussing for citizens aged 60 and older, with hours being 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. all week.
“We transport senior citizens who have made the decision not to drive anymore help them transition and show them things they can do,” said Pezzuti. “We take people for social services appointments, getting their hair done, banking, and a wide range of things.”
Because of Pezzuti’s efforts, Dial-A-Ride, alongside the Pequannock local government, the most vulnerable and disadvantaged population in the tri-borough area receive their transportation needs, as well as additional services.
“Dial-A-Ride is also para-transit-buses equipped with wheelchair lifts for those senior citizens that need a scooter, walker, or wheelchair to get around,” said Pezzuti.
For those in need, the number for the Dial-A-Ride is 973-835-8885
Steps are being taken for those in need all the time, in all communities, at all ages, and at all times of the year. A town’s ability to further ensure the safety and comfort of its citizens is nothing short of righteous. In a day and age where different home and social issues come with every person, the ability of a town to acclimate these differing backgrounds and issues earns them much gratitude not only from the people they are helping, but the people they do not; a chain is only as strong as its weakest link, and the same goes for a small tight-knit town like Pequannock or Kinnelon.
Local lawmakers should make it an effort to further situate these services within the community so that every last person is aided, as it has become vital for those in need.
