"In the wake of the September 11 attacks on our country, the people of South Jersey have exemplified the very best that America has to offer by coming together as American citizens and setting aside differences that exist in regard to political affiliation and religious orientation”, said Andrews.  "The purpose of these events today is to highlight that spirit and promote the proliferation of a heightened level of generosity and harmony that is normally experienced during this time of year."

Rep. Andrews joined with Rowan University to host an interfaith prayer breakfast to highlight the diverse collection of religions practiced by residents living in South Jersey.  Rep. Andrews, together with seven leaders of the religious community conducted a prayer and unity celebration that focused on the similarities South Jerseyans share as a community despite their diverse religious practices.  Religious leaders representing the Sikh, Muslim, Jewish, Catholic, Protestant and Baptist religious affiliations offered prayers of thanksgiving for the unity shared by members of our community as well as the diversity that makes this community so special.

Next, Rep. Andrews traveled to The Food Bank of South Jersey to promote continued corporate and charitable giving to this organization.  The South Jersey Food Bank is responsible for providing well-balanced nutritious meals to needy families in our area.  It then provides food to other nonprofit feeding agencies (soup kitchen, food pantries, day care center for underprivileged children, senior centers, substance abuse rehabs, and battered women’s shelters) in Burlington, Camden, Gloucester and Salem counties.   

In 2001, the Food Bank expects to distribute well over 3 million pounds of food to their agencies. So far in 2001, the Food Bank has distributed 2.8 million pounds, an increase of 10% over last year.  In 2000, the Food Bank raised over $3,500 for their annual thanksgiving turkey drive.  This year, they have only been able to raise $500.00, however, they stress that while cash donations are appreciated, turkey donations are better.  

Rep. Andrews met with the leaders of the Food Bank in October and has been working with them to develop corporate sponsorship for this worthy charity.  Andrews himself made a donation to the Food Bank and urged residents of South Jersey to participate.  For more information on how you can help please call (856) 662-4884.

“After September 11, South Jerseyans opened their hearts and wallets in record proportions to help those affected by the devastating tragedies in New York City and at the Pentagon,” said Andrews.  “ I am here today to urge our community maintain that same charitable spirit to help this local organization provide warm, nutritious meals to our areas most needy.”

Rep. Andrews was scheduled to attend a thanksgiving celebration at Virtua Hospital in Camden to highlight the spirit of this holiday season as well as to give thanks for the blessings bestowed on the residents of this region.  Instead, Andrews was called back to Washington, D.C. for votes and was unable to attend this event.

Andrews said: “ I wanted to thank each member of the staff here at Virtua for their dedication and expertise.  As America continues to remain vigilant to the threat of future attacks on this country, we rely on our healthcare professionals to ready to deal with any emergent situation that arises.  The Virtua Healthcare system was there to respond after the attacks of September 11, they responded to the threats of Anthrax in our region and I am confident that they will exhibit the same level of excellence in care should they be called to respond again."