FIRE UP THE KITCHEN: Hoboken Fire Department Stop By Shelter to Deliver Donations, Cook Lunch

The Hoboken Fire Department made a special stop at the Hoboken Shelter on Monday to help out those in need.

HFD Chief Brian Crimmins tells hMAG, “The genesis of this event started with an idea to help Hoboken’s underprivileged residents. Firefighter Florio began by raising $1,000 to purchase blankets. Florio, along with Captain Goldsack, contacted Tony Forbes at the Hoboken Shelter to schedule a time to distribute the donation.”

Established in 1982, the Hoboken Shelter has served over 2.5 million meals and provided shelter to over 500,000 men and women. Over that time, this vital facility has also referred thousands of individuals to permanent housing, as well as to alcohol and drug treatment programs through an extensive network of linkages with other organizations.

The Shelter hosts 50 people nightly, while serving 530 meals each day.

“Forbes suggested that the HFD also cook lunch for the residents of the Shelter,” said Chief Crimmins. “Captain Goldsack purchased the food and invited his HFD colleagues to help. He received assistance from Capt Marsh, FF Forcum, Lugo, Greene, Pineiro, Casolaro, Lanzo, Cappiello, Tamborra, and Amaro, and Chaplain Elaine Thomas.”

On the menu for the day: HFD’s homemade pasta, meatballs, and gravy—along with a free blanket.

“We love to give back,” said Captain Goldsack. “It’s important for community to know that we are here, not only here in times of emergency, but all the time. The people at the Shelter are our friends and neighbors. Thank you to Tony Forbes and Jake Cohen for making this happen.”

For more information about volunteering with the Hoboken Shelter, please call 201-656-5069 or email getinvolved@hobokenshelter.org.

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