CASA of CGS, Cornerstone Women’s Resources Centers, and NJ DCP&P have joined forces this month to collect baby formula for South Jersey families and children in need. The Baby Formula Drive launched on June 1 and will run until mid-July. Donations drop-offs are accepted at each organization’s respective office (details listed below).
The overwhelming need for baby formula has hit families hard. Ongoing COVID-19 shortages continue to drive a major dent in our global economy, with its greatest impact affecting marginalized communities. Julia Shulzhenko, Training and Outreach Coordinator at CASA of CGS, recognized this urgent need and jumped at the opportunity to fundraise.
“I saw the need in our community,” said Shulzhenko. “So many moms are struggling right now to feed their babies so I decided to do something about it and see if we can make even a small difference for the children and families we are working with.”
Local Cornerstone and DCP&P offices were eager to team up in the collaborative fundraiser with CASA of CGS, as each program serves children, youth, and families with a shared need for baby formula. The donations collected through the drive will be split amongst the three organizations to help provide relief to the people they serve.
“Cornerstone Women’s Resource Centers has been a pillar in the Salem community for almost 39 years providing free services to women and their families,” said Christy Burnham, Executive Director at the Cornerstone Women’s Resource Centers. “Realizing the urgent need for baby formula, we want to do all that we can to help families with this provision. It is our joy to partner with CASA in their baby formula drive and pray that the community will respond generously!”
Navigating the drastic changes wrought by the pandemic has been difficult across the board, but coming together in unity and support for each other through service has helped push our communities forward. CASA of CGS, Cornerstone, and DCP&P have been consistent sources of support and advocacy for children and families in South Jersey, and their Baby Formula Drive aims to provide an added layer of relief during this ongoing unprecedented climate.
Those interested in donating to the drive may drop off their items at the following locations during these hours:
Hopeloft: 40 East Commerce Street Bridgeton, NJ 08302. By appointment only–email Julia Schulzhenko at Julia@casaofcgs.org
Cornerstone Salem: 567 Salem-Quinton Road Salem, NJ 08079. Monday-Thursday 9 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Cornerstone Cumberland: 90 Matthew Brown Way Bridgeton, NJ 08302. By appointment only–email kathy@cornerstonewrc.org
DCP&P Cumberland East Office: 275 North Delsea Drive, 2nd floor. Donations can be left at the security desk from 9 a.m. - 3 p.m.
DCP&P Gloucester East Office: 309 Fries Mill Road Echo Plaza, Unit 10 Sewell, NJ 08080. Donations can be left at the security desk from 9 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Stay abreast of all upcoming fundraisers and events by following CASA of CGS on Facebook and Instagram.