One person can make a difference As I walked through the warehouse in early October, I wondered how the FoodBank would manage to meet the demand for holiday food requested by so many of the 270 charities served in Monmouth and Ocean Counties. It was a bleak year for many in this area and with rent and fuel costs skyrocketing, the demand for food seemed to exceed our supply. Last year, 70,000 individuals had received emergency food from the FoodBank of Monmouth and Ocean Counties. Asking for support from the community brought relief on many fronts. How wonderful that people from all parts of these two counties could come together to make a difference to so many in need. Our holiday mailings raised more funds than ever; food drives exploded from the neighborhood level, throughout numerous schools and corporations; individuals brought hams, turkeys and necessary food items to our location as well as to numerous drop-off sites in the area; and hundreds of volunteers donated their time, energy, families and friends to wrap gifts at the Monmouth Mall raising close to $15,000 in just four weeks. Can one person make a difference? You bet! On behalf of the FoodBank, the board of trustees and the staff, I would like to thank everyone who donated funds, food items, time and spirit. Your generosity and caring is the glue that keeps our mission working. With such meaningful partnerships, the FoodBank of Monmouth and Ocean Counties can continue to distribute nutritious food to people in need. Susan M. Kelly executive director FoodBank of Monmouth and Ocean Counties, Neptune