Earle Donates $50,000 to Fulfill to Support COVID-19 Response
“Thanks to Earle, Operating Engineers Local 825, The Stavola Companies, and CJ Hesse, Inc., Fulfill can now better accommodate food deliveries and more volunteers and employees at our Neptune Distribution Center. This is essential to meet the growing demand for food at the Jersey Shore during the coronavirus crisis and beyond. Since the pandemic hit, Fulfill has provided an additional 1.7 million meals to our struggling neighbors, and we can’t prepare that food without additional staff and volunteers in the building. The philanthropic efforts of these companies working together on this project now make it possible,” said Fulfill CEO and President Kim Guadagno, the former Lieutenant Governor of New Jersey.
Twenty-two parking spaces and an extension of Fulfill’s driveway were added to the south side of Fulfill’s Distribution Center at 3300 Route 66 in Neptune allowing more room for trucks to make food deliveries. The materials and labor donated are estimated at $100,000. This comes at a particularly important time given the increased purchasing Fulfill has had to do since the start of the pandemic to meet the ever-growing demand for food. Earle trucked and coordinated the delivery of materials to the job site and disposed of 15 tons of broken asphalt. CJ Hesse, Inc. donated 150 tons of asphalt, and The Stavola Companies donated 75 tons of asphalt. The work was completed by Operating Engineers Local 825 union workers, which included operation of all dirt and paving equipment.
Additionally, Earle announced a surprise $50,000 donation to Fulfill at the ribbon cutting ceremony in Fulfill’s parking lot. The funds will be used to support Fulfill’s COVID-19 Response.
“Earle is a family owned, community-based company. Their generous donation comes at a time it’s needed most, and we are incredibly grateful. We have seen a 40 percent spike in the demand for food, and we expect the need to further increase as unemployment checks run out and more businesses close for good.” added Guadagno.
“Fulfill is a savior to those who are food insecure at the Jersey Shore, and the COVID-19 crisis is putting an increased stress on its resources. We wanted to make an impact during these unprecedented challenges, and we feel there is no greater way than helping to feed families in need in our community. The $50,000 donation equals 150,000 meals for children, families, seniors, and veterans in Monmouth and Ocean Counties – and that is making a real difference,” said Thomas J. Earle, President of Earle.
Specifically, the $50,000 from Earle will help Fulfill fund Emergency Meal Kits for distribution at our network of pantries and other feeding programs. Each box contains thirty pounds of shelf stable food to sustain a family of four for four days. A complete list of pantries providing the food can be found at fulfillnj.org under the ‘Get Help’ tab.
“We are proud to be able to contribute to the already monumental efforts put forth by the employees, volunteers, Board of Trustees and Kim Guadagno, in coming to the relief of those in need. Stavola will continue to assist Fulfill in its efforts to expand its capabilities and to meet the never-ending challenges of the communities it serves,” said Mike Gentoso, CEO of The Stavola Companies. The Stavola Companies have been a mainstay in the Construction Materials, Asphalt, Contracting and Real Estate businesses in Monmouth County for more than 70 years.
“Our Operating Engineers are proud to help Fulfill in its drive to end hunger in our communities,” said Local 825 Business Manager Greg Lalevee. “Our members play an active part in the communities where we live and work.”
