Members of Nutley American Legion Post 70 traveled to Paterson earlier today to donate 21 boxes of clothing, jackets and food to Eva's Village, a non-profit comprehensive social service organization with a mission of feeding the poor, sheltering the homeless , treating the addicted and providing medical care to the poor.
The Nutley group included Sons of the American Legion Squadron including Ken Ackerman, past commander and project chairman of the drive to collect clothing and food for the poor.
"I recently had the opportunity to see the work done by volunteers at Eva's Village and was impressed by how much they did with so little," Ackerman said.
The plan for a food and clothing drive was endorsed by Post 70 Commander Andy Vyniski, Squadron Commander Mark Bottino and Auxiliary President Lisa O'Malley.
"I thought it was a great idea" said Commander Vyniski, "so in addition to collecting items we made a cash donation which Ken could use to purchase additional items."
Squadron Commander Bottino also gave Ackerman a cash donation on behalf of the Sons of the American Legion.
Volunteer Coordinator for Eva's Village today said "I am continuously amazed from the efforts of a few that can impact the many! All donations are so greatly appreciated."
Founded by Msgr. Vincent E. Puma in 1982 as a response to the poor and homeless in Paterson, NJ, Eva's Village is a non-profit comprehensive social service organization. Their mission is to feed the hungry, shelter the homeless, treat the addicted and provide medical care to the poor with respect for the human dignity of each individual.
Through almost three decades of service, Eva's Village has established a unique record in facing community challenges and changing the lives of the hungry, homeless and addicted. Eva's Village has grown from a simple soup kitchen to become the most respected anti-poverty program in New Jersey. It now includes 12 integrated programs housed in numerous buildings spanning several city blocks in downtown Paterson.
More than 50 percent of Eva's Village funding is provided through the donations of private individuals, churches, businesses, foundations and civic groups including the Nutley American Legion.
Pictured (l-r) are Nutley American Legion Post 70's Past Commander Henry DelTosto, Squadron 70 Past Commander Ken Ackerman, Eva's Village Volunteer Coordinator Jennifer Doherty, Post 70 Past Commander Rich McClintick, and Squadron 70 member Danny McGackin .
