BY GINNY PRIVITAR
Food pantries are so important to needy families and individuals in our community. But they wouldn't exist without the dedicated volunteers who run them.
Roberta Cevasco has volunteered at the St. Joseph Cares Food Pantry for the past eight years and has been the coordinator for the last four. The pantry serves about 30 families every week.
She said the pantry is grateful for the contributions from parishioners and local business. Donations also come from fundraisers and Cevasco was quick to point out that the Knights of Columbus have been great supporters.
Everyone thinks of the pantry during the holidays, but Cevasco would like the community to know that the need is actually greater during the summer months, when it's not so much on people's minds.
The pantry can always use things like peanut butter and jelly, tuna fish, canned potatoes, baby food, diapers and wipes; and personal products like toothpaste, soap, paper towels and toilet paper. New volunteers are always welcome, too.
"Volunteering from the people is what makes it work," Cevasco said. "I could never do all the work myself; shopping and paperwork."
And it's a group activity.
"One thing I would say to people is that volunteering at the pantry is a great family thing to do," Cevasco said. "Parents and kids get so much out of it — they see that people need help and they're doing something to help them."
Cevasco has long been involved in volunteering. She said she got that from her parents, who were always involved with the community when they lived in Montvale. Her mom, Connie Cevasco, served on several programs at St. Peter's Church and was involved with the celebrations committee, which organized community parades and fireworks.
Her dad, Andrew Cevasco, was an active member of the Holy Name Society. Cevasco herself previously volunteered at St. Peter's, helping with lunches for the homeless and general supervision of the program to make sure everything was running smoothly.
West Milford has been home to Cevasco for the past 16 years, and she's been a parishioner at St. Joseph's that long. She said the people there are very warm and welcoming and that's where she met Marge and Guy Waarst, who ran the food pantry.
"That's how I became involved with pantry," Cevasco said. "I always wanted to do something and this was a good fit for me."
When Guy was unable to continue, Cevasco took over the responsibility.
She said the existence of four food pantries in town - Our Lady Queen of Peace, West Milford Presbyterian Church, Holy Faith Lutheran Church and St. Joseph's - shows the need for this service.
"Supporting such an important cause through the Catholic Church is very rewarding; the gratefulness of the families we are serving and the generosity of the people of this community is amazing," Cevasco said.
She also credits Ample Harvest, which provides fresh vegetables, and Hazleman Farms, which donates eggs and produce.
"All the community organizations, schools and businesses are very supportive," she said.
Cevasco loves the country atmosphere of West Milford. When she was a child, she spent vacations here with her godparents, who had a place on Lindy's Lake, and that's how she became familiar with West Milford. That's also when she first attended Mass at St. Joseph Church.
When she's not working or volunteering, Cevasco likes to do a lot of walking with her dog, Buttercup, a collie–Brittany spaniel mix. She also enjoys spending time with her two brothers and their families, including six nieces and nephews and three great-nephews.
"I love baking and do the baking for my family get-togethers," said Cevasco. "Lemon Bars is one of the favorites. It was a recipe passed down from my mom."
Here she shares it with us.
Editor's note: St. Joseph Cares Food Pantry is open every Saturday, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Call the rectory for information 973-697-6100.