Operation Brick Food Relief, a volunteer group that has been providing hot meals to those displaced by Superstorm Sandy since the storm struck, is now operating from a temporary location.
After reaching an agreement late last month with the Police Athletic League to remain in their Drum Point Road building, the PAL once again asked the group to leave. The PAL had originally asked the group to leave after Thanksgiving so it could resume its normal slate of programs.
Then, Operation Brick Food Relief volunteers protested the decision before the township council, from which they received support. But this time, the group left the building quietly.
"We graciously exited the building," said Hope Van Sickle, one of leaders of Operation Brick Food Relief.
Van Sickle said the group may find a permanent location to base its hot food service – as well as upcoming Christmas volunteer efforts – as early as sometime Monday.
But for now, the group has partnered with Starlight Relief Ministries to cook and prepare meals at their location at the Fellowship Chapel, 170 Duchess Lane. The building is commonly known as the former Old Guard building.
The temporary location does not have enough room for storm victims to come in and sit down to eat, however, and the meals are being provided to go.
Meals will be provided Monday evening from 4 to 6 p.m., Van Sickle said.
The group also announced that Starlight has donated coats, work gloves, cleaning supplies, clothes, footwear, and other items that can be provided to those who need them.
Carrie Brick