A&P Donates Space to Salvation Army Center

Thanks to the Great Atlantic & Pacific Tea Co., the Salvation Army is continuing to provide recovery services for Hurricane Sandy survivors with a new emergency assistance center in New Jersey’s Ocean County.

“As a part of the Ortley Beach neighborhood for nearly 46 years, we are honored to donate our space to the Salvation Army so they may assist our neighbors during this difficult time,” said Sam Martin, president and CEO of Montvale, N.J.-based A&P, which operates more than 300 stores in six states under the A&P, Best Cellars, Food Basics, The Food Emporium, Pathmark, Superfresh and Waldbaum’s banners. “Through our partnership with the Salvation Army, hundreds of families will receive vital resources they need as they recover from Hurricane Sandy.”

Located within the A&P Shopping Center in Ortley Beach, the center offers nonperishable foods, blankets and bedding, cleaning supplies, hygiene products, electric heaters, coolers, coats, baby supplies, children’s toys and clothing. To receive these items, residents must provide either their FEMA number or proof of residency in an affected area.

The effort is the latest phase of the Salvation Army’s disaster response to Hurricane Sandy in Ocean County as the people of the Jersey shore area transition to long-term recovery. Previous response efforts by the organization include mobile feeding units and the distribution of cleaning supplies, warm drinks and snacks via ATVs throughout the region.

The Salvation Army also operates another area emergency assistance center in Hazlet. The Ortley Beach A&P store is slated to reopen, with a refurbished decor and an expanded product selection, on Feb. 28.