PRINCETON, NJ Restaurant Dining Guide Announcement

6TH Annual Crisis Ministry “VALENTINES FOR FOOD” Drive Is February 6 to 14

The Crisis Ministry’s sixth annual "Valentines for Food" Drive will get underway February 6 among a team of schools, congregations, McCaffrey’s Supermarkets, and the Rotary Club of Princeton. All are working to help fill the shelves of the Crisis Ministry with high-quality foods as demand for the organization’s services continues to rise throughout greater Mercer Country.

“This event allows many people of all ages to work together to support neighbors in need in these difficult times,” said Daphne Jones, volunteer Valentines for Food coordinator for the Princeton schools. The volunteer coordinator for West Windsor-Plainsboro schools is Sharyn Kerschman of West Windsor. Participants in last year’s school drives donated a record 24.4 tons, or 48,800 pounds, of non-perishible foods to the Crisis Ministry’s shelves.

Jarrett Kerbel, executive director of the Crisis Ministry, said, “With broad support, a successful Valentines for Food initiative will raise 15 percent of the Crisis Ministry’s entire annual food budget.” He added, “We are pleased to once again benefit from the generosity of McCaffrey’s, which will provide a dollar-for-dollar match, up to $5,000, for special Valentines purchased in their stores’ checkout aisles. This year, the Princeton Rotary will make the same generous match.”

There are several ways to support Valentines for Food 2010:

Purchase "Valentines for Food" for $3.99 each at McCaffrey's Supermarket in Princeton from February 6 to 14. McCaffrey’s and Princeton Rotary will both match purchases dollar for dollar up to $5,000, for a combined total of $10,000. Shoppers who purchase a Valentine for Food will receive a red Valentine to give to someone special.

Purchase online “Virtual Valentines” for $10, $25, or $50 at www.thecrisisministry.org. The Crisis Ministry will act as “Cupid,” sending special Valentines by email or regular mail to designated loved ones.

Schools in the Princeton and West Windsor-Plainsboro, and other public and independent area schools, are holding in-school food drives.

Donations are welcome any time to help the Crisis Ministry its annual food budget. Donations can be made at www.thecrisisministry.org or by checks payable to the Crisis Ministry (“Food” in memo line), and mailed to 123 E. Hanover St., Trenton, NJ 08608.

Several area congregations will hold special collections on February 14: Trinity Church Princeton, Nassau Presbyterian Church, Princeton United Methodist Church, Prince of Peace Lutheran Church, Presbyterian Church of Lawrenceville, Trinity Church Rocky Hill, Titusville Presbyterian Church, Christ Congregation, and All Saints’ Episcopal Church.