Dignitaries help ShopRite fight hunger

To help spread the message about hunger in the community, RoNetco ShopRites invited special honorary baggers to donate their time bagging groceries in the ShopRite stores for the annual Partners in Caring Campaign.

In the ShopRite of Newton on Route 206 North, seven dignitaries from the area donated their time last week to support the cause. Carol Novrit (director of Sussex County Social Services), Susan Bowman (assistant director of Sussex County Social Services), Tammie Horsfield (president of Sussex County Chamber of Commerce), Gary Chiusano (Sussex County Surrogate), Sheriff Michael Strada, Wayne Levante (Newton Town Council), Gail Phoebus (freeholder) were all bagging with laughter and smiles to raise awareness and funds for Partners in Caring.

The ShopRite of Franklin on Route 23 North was also visited by some dignitaries, including Officers Jeffery Korger and Rafael Burgos from the Franklin Borough Police Dept., Assemblywoman Alison McHose, and father and son, Paul and Jake Checkur, who are active members of SAR (The Sons of the American Revolution). Jake Checkur works as a service clerk in the Franklin ShopRite, and his father, Paul, came to the store donned in his George Washington gear. The special guests brought smiles and excitement to the shoppers that afternoon, all while promoting a wonderful cause.

Since its inception in 1999, ShopRite Partners in Caring has donated nearly $38 million dollars to more than 1,700 charities, including local food banks right in our area. During the Bag Hunger events, as well as ongoing happenings throughout the month of September, cashiers have been accepting monetary donations to raise awareness and funds to help stock the shelves of local food pantries.