Faced with a growing demand for emergency infant supplies due to the downturned economy, North Porch Women and Infants' Centers have recently completed a successful interfaith collection campaign in the Mountain Lakes area.
Joining in the September community collection drive were St. Peter's Church in Mountain Lakes and Church of the Saviour in Denville, as well as King of Kings Lutheran Church and St. Catherine's Catholic Church, both in Mountain Lakes.
North Porch provides seven-day emergency supplies of formula, diapers, wipes, toiletries, baby food and related items to mothers with infants or toddlers in need in northern New Jersey.
Established in 1984, North Porch began as a project of the Episcopal Church Women of the Diocese of Newark and serves women of all faiths. It is now championed by a variety of churches, synagogues, businesses and civic organizations, such as the Rotary Club, Kiwanis, the Girl Scounts and the Boy Scouts.
The North Porch program name reflects the custom of the ancient church to regard the "north porch" as a refuge and gathering place for women.
Lulay, the Rev. Peter Filipkowski, Pastor and the Rev. Thomas Mangieri, Parochial Vicar with donations collected by
St. Catherine's Catholic Church in Mountain Lakes.
Just as the need for food has grown in this downturned economy, the need for infant supplies has also grown. In 2012 demand grew at a rate of 40% and the organization is on track to grow another 40% this year, which means North Porch will provide emergency supplies of diapers and formula to over 3,000 infants and toddlers this year alone. This translates to over 150,000 diapers and 6,000 cans of formula.
All potential clients are prequalified and referred to North Porch by one of several local or county agencies or hospitals.
Fran Orthwein, Social Ministry Chair, Pastor Richard Izzard and Lulay with donations collected by
King of Kings Lutheran Church in Mountain Lakes.
In October St. John's Church in Boonton will run another campaign in support of this community effort. The Community Church in Mountain Lakes is also supporting the effort of an Eagle Scout candidate in their parish to build secure permanent donation collection boxes for North Porch Centers.
If your church would like to learn more about how you can support North Porch, please contact Dicki Lulay, 973-644-0246 or dlulay@aol.com.
Dicki Lulay is a member of the Board of Trustees of North Porch.
