PARAMUS, NJ — Today, January 17, 2022, U.S. Congressman Josh Gottheimer (NJ-5) honored Martin Luther King Jr. Day and participated in a day of service with the Jewish Federation of Northern New Jersey (JFNNJ) “Toasty Toes Happy Soles” sock drive. Gottheimer helped by donating socks and helped collect, sort, and distribute them to those in need. Socks remain the most requested item of clothing in homeless shelters across the nation. Through community members coming together, the JFNNJ has collected 13,000 socks to donate toward organizations including Oasis: a Haven for Women and Children, the Center for United Methodist Aid to the Community, the Center for Food Action, Franciscan Community Development Center, AngelaCARES, and more. 

Gottheimer was joined today by Ariella Noveck, Director of the Jewish Federation of Northern New Jersey, and local volunteers. The JFNNJ sock drive was organized by Shara Nadler, the Director of the Volunteer Department for the Jewish Federation of Northern New Jersey.

“Today, we honor Dr. King’s incredible life by dedicating ourselves to serving our communities, doing all we can for those in need, and speaking out against those who attack our Jersey Values,” said Congressman Josh Gottheimer (NJ-5). “A very special thank you to everyone participating in the day of service today, not just here in Paramus but across North Jersey and our country. By continuing to come together and give back, like so many are doing today, I know our best days will always be ahead of us.”

“Making time to volunteer for MLK Day of Service is a great way to engage our community while honoring the legacy of Dr. King,” Ariella Noveck, Director of the Jewish Federation of Northern New Jersey. “This year, The Jewish Federation of Northern New Jersey is celebrating the civil rights leader’s life by encouraging community service — and thanks to the community’s help, we collected over 10,000 socks and are making an impact on many people’s lives.”

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