Commerce_21_06 | Page 24

■ Corporate Philanthropy

■ Corporate Philanthropy

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Lakeland Bank proudly funded the Desk 4 Homes initiative to help build desks for the children of Bergen Habitat for Humanity homeowners who found themselves attending school virtually .
continue to look for ways to support the community and our profession , and this seemed like a perfect way to blend the two . I ’ m sure that both students will strive to excel in the field and I ’ m happy that , in whatever small way , we can help put them on their chosen career path .”
Monmouth University . The Monmouth University School of Social Work recently launched the Community Care Telehealth Clinic , a free , online counseling service with flexible hours for the external community . “ Given the tremendous demand for accessible telehealth counseling services in light of COVID‐19 , and as an institution of higher education , the School of Social Work at Monmouth University was in a unique position to help meet the needs of New Jersey residents while also facilitating a supervised , hands-on professional learning opportunity for our graduate students ,” said Robin Mama , Ph . D ., dean of the School of Social Work . Available via cell phones , computers , and tablets , the counseling support program is open to New Jersey residents 18 years or older who are not members of the Monmouth University community .
Montclair State University . In February 2021 , MSU and AmeriCorps ’ Volunteer Coordinator collected 79 coats and took them to one of the United Community Corporation sites located at Wolf Presbyterian Church in Newark . Community outreach and word of mouth helped collect these coats from faculty , staff and students at MSU . During these trying times , basic needs are essential to fulfill . With the uncertainty of weather changes and a health crisis , something as simple as a jacket can help fulfill that need for warmth and comfort . With the donation of a coat , a person ’ s concern for warmth can help diminish the worry about other basic needs such as health and safety .
New Jersey City University . Throughout the pandemic , New Jersey City University has been a friend to its community with COVID‐19 surveillance testing and vaccination efforts . In recent months , NJCU , in partnership with the New Jersey Department of Health , has offered COVID‐19 PCR testing to members of the local community . Through the university ’ s partnership with the Jersey City Health Department , NJCU , beginning May 6 with future dates to be announced , has been hosting a mobile vaccination unit — open to the public — by appointment . Additionally , NJCU ’ s Center for Community Engagement ( CCE ) continues to be a leader in fighting food insecurity throughout Hudson County . CCE has delivered more than 22,000 bags of groceries on Saturdays over the last 13 months to seniors throughout the county ; and in partnership with AngelaCARES food pantry , has assisted with food needs for 275 families .
New Jersey Landscape Contractors Association . The Gramon School in Fairfield , which serves students with developmental disabilities , was having severe drainage issues that caused large pools of water to form , making the area unusable for students to play on . The school was also looking to install a greenhouse , re-mulch their playground equipment area and repair an uneven field . NJLCA members took on the project with gusto . Thirteen companies volunteered and 21 companies donated material and equipment to complete this project , which would have cost an estimated $ 90,000 to $ 100,000 . Nearly 500 feet of drainage was installed from the side of and along the entire back of the playground leading to new concrete catch basins . Member volunteers installed a 1,000-square foot patio with three shade trees . An area was leveled , and a large cement pad installed for the new greenhouse . Raised garden beds were found beneath an overgrown area , which was completely cleaned up for use . Two playground areas were mulched with more than 100 yards of playground mulch . The entire playing field was regraded to remove low spots , then hydroseeded . To complete the project , 2,200 square feet of asphalt was laid .
Peapack-Gladstone Bank . Peapack-Gladstone Bank partners with America ’ s Grow-a-Row throughout all seasons of the year in the fight against hunger . During the height of the pandemic when the organization was in dire need of in-person volunteers to harvest crops for New Jersey residents facing financial challenges , the bank provided consistent hands-on assistance at the farm throughout the summer and early fall .
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