Happy helping hands

Pass-It-Along’s eighth annual Serve-A-Thon on May 16, at Sussex County Community College, began at 8:30 a.m. with a kickoff breakfast. Everyone attending was asked to bring non-perishable food items to help local food pantries. In this manner Foodstock and the Serve-A-Thon joined forces. A Mini-Serve-a-Thon, called Little Citizens Academy, offered service projects specifically for young children. Throughout the day at various sites volunteers from all over had the chance to help people in need. “Most people aren’t aware of how much of an impact you can have on someone,” said Christie Taylor, a Pass-It-Along member, who called her experiences “the most fulfilling feeling ever.” She and other members stress the doubly satisfying effect their service has. “After seeing what others have gone through and the types of conditions they live in, I have lived a life full of gratitude,” she said. “Pass-It-Along is not only about the toy drives and fundraisers, it’s about building friendships and helping others by simply sharing your time with them.” Pass-It-Along partners with non-profits and senior citizens in the Sussex, Warren and Morris County area. Saturday’s event was a day of concentrated service as more than 300 volunteers from Pass-It-Along worked at some 25 different project sites. “We are all very proud of the great work our volunteers are doing to help people in need,” said Susan Loyas, director of Annual Events. “They understand who they are helping and why and they are given the opportunity to share their feelings about the project they worked on.”