Needy Cases 2023: Aldersgate Outreach Community Center marks 50 years of service
What began in the trunk of an East Brunswick woman’s car 50 years ago has blossomed into full-fledged service center, complete with a brand-new location.
Today, the Aldersgate Outreach Community Center (AOCC) food pantry and thrift shop can be found on the lower level of the Aldersgate United Methodist Church.
As AOCC marks its half century in a new home, the mission remains the same − to help the greater East Brunswick community with hunger and household needs.
In 2023, the AOCC closed the affectionally named neighboring "White House" and created an improved indoor pantry and thrift shop. The opening of the new space marks the first time operations are inside since March 2020.
Both the food pantry and thrift shop are now open from 10 a.m. to noon Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays.
The thrift shop is open to the public and all proceeds fund the pantry, said Diane Hutchins, executive director since 2022. Donation days for the thrift shop are from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Wednesdays and noon to 1 p.m. Saturdays. Appointments for donation days may also be arranged by Facebook Messenger or by leaving a message at 732-254-7361, select AOCC.
As for their mission − that has not changed, Hutchins said. In fact, the need has increased.
"Food insecurity continues to rise, and we are doing everything we can to alleviate the problem in our neighborhoods," Hutchins said.
Those who qualify for AOCC's services have access to a full-choice pantry including fresh produce, meat, dairy, deli items, bread and pastries. Extra items including condiments, baking products, canned and bottled drinks are also offered when available.
AOCC is open for registration to anyone residing in Middlesex County who is experiencing food insecurity. Clients must qualify under state or federal guidelines. Those living outside Middlesex County who otherwise qualify may pick up during state and federal food weeks. There is no citizenship requirement, Hutchins said.
Needy Cases Fund 2023: How to help your neighbors in need during the holidays
"We could not make this happen without the full support from Replenish Food Bank of Middlesex County, Feeding America, the Community Food Bank of New Jersey and Giamarese Farm and Orchards," Hutchins said. "In addition, we pick up three times per week at Stop & Shop in East Brunswick and one time per week at Aldi in East Brunswick."
Historically, Aldersgate consisted of a food pantry and thrift shop, providing items including diapers, clothing, household goods and holiday gifts to those in need. The attached thrift shop, its primary source of funding, closed for a while during the height of the pandemic but reopened as soon as it was able.
Initially called "The Crisis Room" when it originated in the 1970s, the program had its first home in the trunk of township resident Fran Mickett's car. The nonprofit organization became a separate ministry of the Aldersgate United Methodist Church of East Brunswick in 2000 and underwent a name change to Aldersgate Outreach Community Center in 2019.
AOCC is a primary mission of Aldersgate United Methodist Church. The food pantry provides food to hundreds of families each month. In addition, it makes a monthly onsite distribution to almost 100 residents nearby at the Hall’s Corner Senior Apartments.
"Our Hall’s Corner ‘grocery store’ is alive and well," Hutchins said. "Monthly, we set up a grocery store in the community room for residents to 'shop' for what they can. Residents do not have to leave their building to pick up essentials plus meat, eggs and some fresh fruits and vegetables."
The holidays continue to be busy for the program as well. The AOCC is continuing its Thanksgiving and Easter holiday food distribution programs with turkeys, hams and chickens.
Currently, the Christmas program for the children of families coming to the pantry is ramping up with a fund drive through the East Brunswick Parks and Recreation department and an "Angel" drive sponsored by AOCC, Hutchins said. Angels may be purchased for $5, $10 or $20 each. Proceeds will be used to purchase Target and Walmart gift cards for the children. The AOCC also is accepting $5, $10 or $20 Target and Walmart gift cards. Donations may also be made online by selecting AOCC at aldersgateumcnj.org/online-giving.html
"We moved to a gift card program because we feel parents can make the best choices for gifts for their children," Hutchins said.
Hutchins said volunteers continue to be needed at both the pantry and thrift shop. Pantry volunteers are also needed to help with distribution days, Community Food Bank truck deliveries, grocery store and Replenish weekly pickups. Thrift shop volunteers assist help with sorting, arranging, assisting customers.
"We look for energetic, friendly, outgoing folks looking to make a difference in our community," she said.
Also new this year are updates to the AOCC's Facebook page. For more information or to volunteer, call or message AOCC on Facebook if interested. And for online donations to AOCC, go to aldersgateumcnj.org/outreach-giving.
How to support the Needy Cases Fund
From Nov. 26 to Dec. 3, the Courier News, the Home News Tribune and MyCentralJersey.com are focusing on 11 organizations serving Central Jersey as part of the annual Needy Cases Fund program.
The Needy Cases Fund is a Central Jersey holiday tradition, stretching back more than seven decades. The community-service project has been sponsored by the Home News Tribune and its predecessor, the Daily Home News, working with the Lions Club of New Brunswick. The Courier News has joined the Home News Tribune in sponsoring the charity since 2020.
Send donations (checks made out to the Needy Cases Fund or cash) to: Needy Cases Fund, Home News Tribune/Courier News, 92 E. Main St., Suite 202, Somerville, NJ 08876. Please indicate with a note whether you wish to be acknowledged in a wrap-up story about the program, or whether you wish to remain anonymous.
Donations will be gratefully accepted through the end of December.
email: cmakin@gannettnj.com
Cheryl Makin is an award-winning features and education reporter for MyCentralJersey.com, part of the USA Today Network. Contact: Cmakin@gannettnj.com or @CherylMakin. To get unlimited access, please subscribe or activate your digital account today.
This article originally appeared on MyCentralJersey.com: Aldersgate Outreach Community Center marks 50 years of service
