Croydon Hall Relief Center Operations Winding Down

The Croydon Relief Center, which was opened in the wake of Superstorm Sandy last year to provide emergency assistance to storm victims, will close April 1.

Middletown’s Volunteer Corps, which manages the center, has teamed up with Project Paul to ensure that residents can continue to access direct assistance such as food and clothes. The Croydon Hall Relief Center will remain open on Wednesdays and Saturdays from 10 am to 2pm through end of March.

Remaining supplies housed at the Croydon Hall gym will be given to Project Paul as of April 1. Project Paul, located at 211 Carr Avenue in Keansburg, has been providing food, clothing and assistance with living expenses to the needy since 1980. Project Paul, a non-profit organization, offers the largest independent food pantry in Monmouth County, a thrift and furniture store, beds and mattresses to qualified residents, free income tax preparation and educational assistance.

In addition, the township is planning a Superstorm Sandy Resource Fair. Expected participants include representatives from FEMA, the state, non-profits, relief organizations and banking and insurance assistance. Event details will soon be posted to the township’s web page.

After hundreds of residents came forward to help their neighbors after Superstorm Sandy, the Township Committee officially established the Middletown Volunteer Corps in 2012 to manage the township’s wealth of kind-hearted volunteers, explained Mayor Gerard P. Scharfenberger.

“The Volunteer Corps is doing an outstanding job managing volunteer services during the recovery phase of Superstorm Sandy,” said Mayor Scharfenberger. “I’m looking forward to reviewing their suggestions regarding the permanent structure and mission of the Volunteer Corps as well as strategies for recruitment and retention of volunteers who will help in future emergencies and with community activities such as Middletown Day.”

Call 732-787-4887 for more information on Project Paul. Additional food pantries in the area include the Matawan United Methodist Pantry, Holy Family and St John’s Pantry in Hazlet, Keyport Ministerium, Calico Cat in Middletown, Middletown Assembly of God, and St. Anthony’s Food Pantry in Red Bank.