Community encouraged to support Lunch Break effort Lunch Break, a volunteer-driven nonprofit that provides hot meals and other critical assistance such as clothing and services to low-income families, has begun its annual Adopt-a-Family program. Designed to benefit the less fortunate in the community during the holidays, the program has successfully provided gifts and groceries to local families for more than 10 years. Each year more than 300 children benefit directly from Lunch Break's holiday Adopt-a-Family program. Initiated by Lunch Break's pantry director, Katherine Couslar, the program has two components consisting of community support and family nominations. Families in need can apply directly for assistance by completing a form before Dec. 7. It requests details of family members such as the names and sizes of children, and can be picked up at Lunch Break, 121 Drs. James Parker Blvd., Red Bank. Alternately, a family can be "nominated" as a recipient of the program by sending the details to LunchBreakNJ@hotmail.com. To support the program, Lunch Break encourages the local community and businesses to consider the families in holiday philanthropic initiatives. Toys and gifts may be dropped off at Lunch Break, and since many families include older children, gift cards, small electronics, manicure certificates and larger-size clothing are also requested. Hans Zweerink, president of Lunch Break, commented, "When you're in need, there is no more challenging time of year, especially when you have children. Our local community, organizations and businesses have always been very supportive of this program and we hope they'll consider us in their holiday giving. In fact, some companies and school children have already banded together to adopt several families each year, and that's an excellent way to make a significant impact in the lives of those less fortunate." Approximately 100 parents will arrive at Lunch Break Dec. 15 to pick up gifts and groceries that they would otherwise not have for the holiday season. Each family will receive a grocery bag filled with food and a turkey, as well as one large trash bag filled with gifts for children. The items are distributed during the day by approximately 20 volunteers. Lunch Break makes special arrangements to surprise "nominated" families with groceries and gifts during the week of Christmas. Readers are encouraged to support the program by calling or stopping by Lunch Break to donate individual items or select a family in need. Based on that information, adoptive donors will purchase new toys and gifts and drop off the unwrapped items at Lunch Break Monday through Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. or Dec. 1 or 8 from 9 a.m. to noon. Zweerink concluded, "For almost 25 years, our mission has been to serve those in need in our local community. As always, we rely heavily on the kindness of others, and this year is no different. We'd be very grateful for the local community's support for this and other Lunch Break programs."