Thanks to a partnership with Lowe’s and Boston Market, 650 Thanksgiving dinners were handed out to families affected by Superstorm Sandy. Each dinner gift bag, including dessert, will feed up to six people.

Gov. Chris Christie and First Lady Mary Pat Christie helped prepare and hand out the many Thanksgiving meals at the Lowe's Home Improvement Store on Hooper Avenue. The first family of New Jersey were joined by Congressman Jon Runyon and Toms River Councilwoman Maria Maruca, Councilmen George Wittman, Jeff Carr and Al Manforti.

The Governor graciously spoke with many residents who lost their homes in the storm, and thanked corporate sponsors Lowe’s and Boston Market for providing the resources to help out those families whose homes are damaged. Lowe’s executives said they plan to give away enough Thanksgiving Day meals to feed over 3,000 people.

(Photo by Debbi Winogracki)

Gov. Christie is joined by Toms River Council members Maria Maruca, George Wittman, Jeff Carr, Al Manforti and First Lady Mary Pat Christie.

(Photos by Debbi Winogracki)

Toms River Council members Maria Maruca and Jeff Carr hand out Thanksgiving meals at the Toms River Lowe’s store.

The Hirair and Anna Hovnanian Foundation has generously provided up to $1,000,000 in grant money to Ocean County organizations who are helping the local community.

According to Chad Warnken, General Counsel/Director of Development for H. Hovnanian Industries, “The Hovnanian family is looking to help local organizations, churches and non-profits groups who are on the ground, helping people that have been devastated by Superstorm Sandy. We want to help them to help others”

Toms River Township Mayor Thomas Kelaher said, “I want to thank the Hirair and Anna Hovnanian Foundation for this generous donation. There are many non-profit organizations in Ocean County that have already donated so generously of their time and services. I implore them to reach out to the Hirair and Anna Hovnanian Foundation to receive this grant money so that they may continue their service of helping others in this time of need.”

Groups interested in applying for grants should read the attachment to email their requests. (Click here for attachment.)

Mayor Kelaher and Chief Mastronardy meet with Governor Chris Christie to discuss the damage on the barrier island.