Pitch in! Your help is needed!
A neighbor of ours here in Upper Saddle River, Ilyse Smith (left in photo), is collecting donations at her home for Oasis, the haven for women and children in nearby Paterson. Oasis is a non-profit organization providing support for people, primarily women and children, living in poverty, as well as those working part-time or temp. jobs, who have no health insurance. Many are unable to purchase two weeks of food in advance during this crisis.
Because of the Covid-19 pandemic, Oasis is concentrating its efforts on serving the basic needs of the community. It is providing “grab and go” lunches and distributing emergency food packages, baby formula, baby food, diapers and wipes.
Here’s how you can help. There are 2 ways:
- Make a donation through the Oasis website: https://oasisnj.org/donate
- Drop off food and goods at Ilyse’s house: 30 Knight’s Court, Upper Saddle River
Items Requested – Please double-bag when making food bags:
- 2 Cans of Soup
- 2 Pastas (frequently run out)
- Tomato sauce
- 2 Cans of vegetables
- 2 Cans of Tuna Fish (frequently run out)
- 2 Cans of Corned Beef, Stew or Chili
- 2 Boxes of Macaroni and Cheese (or rice as a substitute) (frequently run out)
- 1 Box of Cereal or Oatmeal (frequently run out)
- 1 Jar of Peanut Butter (frequently run out)
- 1 Jar of Jelly or Jam (frequently run out)
- 1 Can of fruit
- 1 Jar of Tomato Sauce
- 2 Cans of Beans
- 1 Snack
- 1 Miscellaneous Item
- Bags of apples and oranges
- Cleaning supplies
Ilyse is also collecting bakery items from area grocery stores, such as the Fresh Market, which has been very generous in helping supply food. But Ilyse didn’t just start helping Oasis with this pandemic, she has been supporting Oasis for a long time working with children from preschool through the teenage years. With an MS in Speech Pathology, she knows that working with young children at an early age can make great headway in improving their lives. “I have always loved working with the preschool population. I know that early intervention speaks volumes.”
She knows that keeping kids off the streets with after school programs, helping with homework and providing their only hot meal of the day is vitally important. In addition, she says, “Weekend enrichment, such as classes in yoga, photography, and art, can only help these children and teenagers. I have seen teenagers, with guidance, applying to college,” who are the first generation in their families to do so, she explains.
Ilyse has also created a nice network for donations especially with her temple, Beth Haverim Shir Shalom in Mahwah, “We have organized various collections for pajamas, books etc., as well as have sponsored Lunches For Love.”
“Our community is very fortunate. We are worried about many things now but NOT where our next meal is coming from or if we have formula or diapers for our babies. Every little bit that someone does for Oasis directly helps to save lives and that’s what this is all about now.”
To contact Ilyse directly, she has given us her contact information:
Email: mmgbhss@gmail.com
Address: 30 Knights Court, Upper Saddle River
This will be an ongoing effort. So if you are able, give generously and often.#####
By Rue Eisen