Action Park donates to local food pantry

VERNON — Action Park and United Way of Northern New Jersey recently teamed up to offer a day of charity and giving in honor of Sussex County Day at the Waterpark.

To show appreciation to local residents, Action Park celebrated “Sussex County Day” on Friday, June 26. All Sussex residents received free admission to Action Park’s 30+ rides, slides and attractions for the day with proof of I.D. In return, Action Park asked guests and employees to continue to spread the love by donating 1-3 non-perishable food items to help re-stock local food pantries.

Friday’s ideal weather prompted many local families and groups of young friends to visit Action Park to celebrate the end of the school year and kick off summer with a day of fun in the sun.

“We had a great turnout for Sussex County Day and were thrilled to see so many individuals contribute to a good cause,” said Jim Costello, Mountain Creek’s marketing and sales director.

In total, about 600 food items were collected throughout the day and will be distributed to Christ Community Church in Highland Lakes and St. Thomas Episcopal Church in Vernon.

"United Way was pleased to partner with Action Park to help stock shelves at local pantries," said United Way Community Impact Coordinator Sean Hyland. "Hunger does not take a vacation during the summer months and these donations will help the thousands of hard-working families in our community who struggle to make ends meet."

To donate to one of the 25 food pantries in Sussex County, visit UnitedWayNNJ.org/FoodStock. For more information on events, tickets and group outings at Action Park, visit actionpark.com.