Stuffing the bus to battle hunger

Newton — Hundreds of compassionate listeners flocked to five Quick Chek locations on Nov. 21 and 22 to help Rob Moorhead of WNNJ "stuff the bus" with donations for Sussex County residents in need. WNNJ's Moorhead, host of the Moorhead in the Morning show, once again led the Stuff the Bus food drive to benefit the Department of Human Services, Division of Social Services food pantry. Moorhead was joined this year by 103.7 WNNJ personality Johan and 102.3 WSUS personalities Steve Andrews and Maria Lake. Assemblywoman Alison Littell McHose, Freeholder Phillip Crabb and County Clerk Jeff Parrott attended the event to greet donors and accept donations. Division of Social Services Director Carol Novrit was also on hand both days to assist with the event. During the two day event, listeners filled buses provided by Sussex County Skylands Ride (formerly Sussex County Transit) with their donations. Stuff the Bus was a success for the fourth year in a row and has evolved into a well known countywide event during a time of year when many listeners wish to show their thanks by giving back to those less fortunate. This year, Stuff the Bus raised over 20,627 pounds of food, 93 turkeys, and $3,499 in monetary donations. Since the first Stuff the Bus was held in 2008, Rob Moorhead and WNNJ helped to raise a grand total of over 71,827 pounds of food and $8,344.00 in donations. The County of Sussex, Department of Human Services, Division of Social Services thanked Moorhead, Johan, Maria Lake, Steve Andrews, 103.7 WNNJ, 102.3 WSUS, Quick Chek, Skylands Ride, the countless volunteers and people and businesses who donated to make the food drive such a success. “The generosity of the citizens of Sussex County is gratifying," said Stephen Gruchacz, Administrator for the Sussex County Department of Human Services. "In these difficult economic times, it is heartwarming to witness elementary school children, local police departments, residents living in nursing homes and businesses all coming together to help fellow citizens. It's what makes Sussex County a special place to live.” The Sussex County Division of Social Services is located at 83 Spring Street in Newton and is open from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. Food donations or pet food are accepted during these hours or special arrangements can be made for after-hours donations by calling 973-383-3600.