Photo - Jay Gibbs © 2008 Used with Permission	The wreaths may be hung, but it's not too late to get that perfect holiday gift for that 'difficult to shop for' person. Sponsor a wreath in that person's name for only $20.00. A perfect holiday gift and you help those in need - just what the holiday season is all about. The “Sponsor A Wreath” fund raiser will begin again this December, commencing with the hanging of Wreaths on December 6th. The wreaths have become a beautiful tradition in our town and are so much more than just holiday decorations. They are a strong symbol of neighbors helping neighbors. The Interfaith Community Outreach of Washington Township Area (ICOWTA) is a coalition of 10 local churches which administers the Residents Emergency Fund and the Washington Township Food Pantry housed in the Long Valley Presbyterian Church on Bartley Rd. They provide one-time financial help and supplemental food year round to needy Washington Township residents who have been referred by clergy, school officials, and social service agencies. This year ICOWTA will have

Since its inception 5 years ago by neighbors Sam Akin and Harvey Ort Jr. as a way to help residents in need, “Sponsor A Wreath” has realized growing support and participation from the community. Food drives are conducted through our schools, local churches and Washington Township Scouts. Businesses sponsor wreaths and provide donation points. The Garden Club of Long Valley and Newcomer’s Club make bows for wreaths, Scouts Caroline Korbel, Mike Clark and Charles Adler created signs for the Food Pantry as part of their Gold Award and Eagle Scout projects. Quilters from Common Threads, of Long Valley are sewing wreath decorations. The Habitat for Humanity group from West Morris Central High School assists the Food Pantry year round with distributions and stocking. The Washington Township Library runs fund raisers, Panera Bread of Mt. Olive, supplies leftover bread. Many other people and organizations provide a great deal of time and effort to support this worthy cause.

ICOWTA is grateful for the increasing support from our community for this vital program. The caring and generosity of our townspeople is what the wreaths symbolize. Keep that in mind as you enjoy the scene of all those wreaths this holiday season, and join with us by sponsoring a wreath for $20.00. They may also be sponsored in dedication to, or in memory of a loved one, if you wish. All donations go to benefit the Emergency Fund and the Washington Township Food Pantry.

Donations for wreaths can be mailed to:

ICOWTA
c/o Long Valley Presbyterian Church
39 Bartley Road
Long Valley, NJ 07853.

During December, donation envelopes are located at Ort Farms, Long Valley Pharmacy, Peapack-Gladstone Bank, Hoffman’s True Value Hardware Store, Plut’s Christmas Tree Farm, Schooley’s Mountain General Store, Greenway Flowers and the Washington Township Library.

IMPORTANT DATES – PLEASE JOIN US:

December 5th Tie bows on wreaths at Ort Farms 4:00PM to – 6:30PM
December 6th Hanging of Wreaths starts at Valley View Chapel 9:00AM to 11:30AM