Interfaith Caregivers Delivers Thanksgiving Baskets to Local Seniors and People with Disabilities

HAMILTON, N.J. - Nov. 26, 2014 - PRLog -- The efforts of volunteers from Interfaith Caregivers of Greater Mercer County (ICGMC) and Operation Cupcake once again made cold November days warmer for dozens of local homebound seniors and people with disabilities. With cars and trunks loaded, the volunteers traveled County roads last weekend to deliver dozens of beautifully decorated cupcakes and Thanksgiving gift baskets packed with staples and trimming for a turkey dinner, Shop Rite gift cards to purchase a turkey, and delicious homemade cupcakes.

ICGMC Executive Director Jane Latini states, “This is the fourth year that we’ve assembled and delivered these baskets, and, each year, they get more full and beautiful! This effort is made possible by ICGMC volunteers, staff, and donors, as well as the Mount Carmel Guild, which donates canned goods. For the second year in a row, the lovely ladies from Operation Cupcake joined us too!”

“The ladies” include the two youth who founded Operation Cupcake after Hurricane Sandy – current seventh graders Emma Bowers of St. Gregory the Great Academy and Nina Burden of Our Lady of Sorrows/St. Anthony School. Since founding the charitable organization to “share a smile” after Hurricane Sandy, this industrious duo has baked and delivered over 30,000 cupcakes to shore communities and areas of Burlington and Mercer counties.

“Interfaith Caregivers is all about sharing – time, smiles, love – so it’s perfect that Emma and Nina’s confections are part of our baskets,” says Latini. “They make a sweet effort even sweeter!”

About Interfaith Caregivers of Greater Mercer County

Located on Quakerbridge Road in Hamilton, Interfaith Caregivers of Greater Mercer County coordinates transportation to doctors’ offices, shopping, friendly visiting, light housekeeping and maintenance, telephone reassurance and occasional meal preparation for homebound seniors and people with disabilities. Such basic services often enable care receivers to age in their homes independently, safely and with dignity, and thereby avoid institutionalization. Its mission is to promote the independence and dignity of homebound elderly and people with disabilities by matching them with caring volunteers who assist with the tasks of everyday life. Volunteers are professionally screened and trained, and all services are provided without proselytization or regard to religious affiliation.  Relying on more than 300 dedicated volunteers from 28 interdenominational congregations throughout Mercer County, as well as individual, corporate, foundation and government support, ICGMC is celebrating over 20 years of service to the community with special events and programs throughout 2014. To request services, volunteer, or support Interfaith Caregivers of Greater Mercer County, visit www.icgmc.org or call 609-393-9922.

About Operation Cupcake

Operation Cupcake is a nonprofit organization that delivers home-made cupcakes directly to families and individuals in need. Operation Cupcake was founded by two fifth graders in November 2012 following  Superstorm Sandy in an effort to provide relief to victims of the storm along the New Jersey coastline. It has delivered over 30,000 cupcakes to support food pantries, food drives, soup kitchens, fundraisers, and the outreach efforts of volunteer organizations, nonprofits, and outreach programs across New Jersey. It has also sold cupcakes and held fundraisers to donate appliances, furniture, utensils and other household goods to New Jersey residents in need. Additional information on Operation Cupcake is available on its Facebook page at www.facebook.com/OperationCupcakeNJ or website at www.operationcupcakenj.com.