Donated food, free COVID-19 testing, free COVID-19 vaccination, and other resources for those in need are included.
Union County – The Union County Board of County Commissioners, in partnership with the International Rescue Committee, is commemorating World Refuge Day with a free resource and food distribution event for refugees, immigrants and others in need.
The event will take place behind the Union County Social Services Building located at 342 Westminster Avenue in Elizabeth, from 12:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. on Sunday, June 26.
All services are provided on a walk-up basis. No pre-registration or appointment is needed to receive a COVID-19 vaccination or test.
The food donations consist of both nonperishable shelf items and fresh produce, provided by The Village Supermarket and Garguilo Produce, on a first come, first served basis. Attendees who wish to pick up food are advised to bring a cart or wagon.
Attendees will also receive resources for utility assistance, nutrition programs and much more.
“This year’s theme for World Refugee Day is ‘together we heal, learn and shine.’ It is a reminder that we are all connected in the Union County community, and we all have the power to lend our strength to those in need,” said Commissioner Board Chairman Alexander Mirabella.
Created by the United Nations, World Refugee Day is celebrated internationally each year on June 20. Worldwide, people commemorate this day by donating, raising awareness and learning more about refugees and their struggles.
“With this event, we hope to raise awareness of the ways in which our residents can reach out to assist refugees and help them find their footing after a long and often traumatizing journey. The County Commissioners are strongly committed to ensuring that people who are fleeing violence and strife in their native countries can find a welcoming and inclusive home in Union County,” said Commissioner Sergio Granados, liaison to the Union County Human Services Advisory Board.
“On World Refugee Day this year, IRC’s partnership with the County of Union represents the power of community welcoming,” said IRC Deputy Director Alison Milan. “For refugees who have fled their homes and have left so much behind, building a new life becomes a little bit easier when they can connect to local resources; encounter a friendly face; or can share their talents. Today we celebrate the resilience of refugees and their vast contributions right here in New Jersey.”
For more information about the event please contact Nathalie Hernandez, Assistant Director of the Division of Outreach & Advocacy in the Union County Department of Human Services, at 908-527-4880 or nahernandez@ucnj.org.
For information and updates on all Union County services during the COVID-19 outbreak, including the Union County COVID-19 Test Center at Kean University, the Mobile Test Unit, vaccination information, emergency food distribution and other support services, visit ucnj.org/covid19. General information about COVID-19 is available through the New Jersey Department of Health at nj.gov/health.
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For all Union County programs and services visit ucnj.org, call the Public Info Line, 877-424-1234, email info@ucnj.org or use the online Contact Form.
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