(Courtesy of JFCS) On June 9, Jewish Family and Children’s Services of Northern New Jersey (JFCS) will be hosting their 14th Annual Ride to Fight Hunger. The goal of the event is to help raise money so JFCS can continue offering essential social and mental health services to the northern New Jersey community.
The Ride to Fight Hunger was started 14 years ago to help battle one critical problem: food insecurity. It has since grown to support all four of JFCS’s pillars of service: mental health services, older adult services, food insecurity services, and basic needs assistance. JFCS provides these services to thousands of individuals and families each year, and it is through events like the Ride to Fight Hunger that it can continue to do so.
The event is more than just a bike ride (though that is where the focus lies, with 50, 25, 10 and 3 mile bike routes available), there is also a guided hike, food and beverages, and fun activities for the whole family (including a magician, face painting and games for the kids). The event this year is being held in Rockleigh, New Jersey. This year JFCS needs to raise $236,000 so they can continue delivering their much-needed services to the community despite the rising costs to provide those services.
An event like this displays the power of community — everyone coming together to support a worthy cause. JFCS has dozens of corporate sponsors and hundreds of families, friends, colleagues and loved ones who donate to and participate in this event. It is even a great opportunity for mitzvah projects for young teens. Considering the times the community is living in, where antisemitism is on the rise, the unity displayed at the ride is something that should be cherished and championed.
The need for JFCS’s services is greater than ever. In March, JFCS received 466 calls requesting assistance, an increase of 31% from the year prior. More children are coming to them for mental health treatment, more families are having emergency financial crises, and more adult children approach them for help with their aging parents.
To learn more about, donate to or register for JFCS’s 14th Annual Ride to Fight Hunger, visit ridetofighthunger.com or call (201) 837-9090.
JFCS is a mental health and social services agency that serves Bergen, Passaic and Hudson counties. They are dedicated to ensuring the well-being of everyone in the community who needs help. No matter your situation, JFCS is here for you. To learn more about JFCS, donate, volunteer or request services, visit jfcsnnj.org or contact them at [email protected] or (201) 837-9090.
