MAYOR REGINALD AND FIRST LADY CYNTHIA ATKINS OF ROSELLE BRINGS THE COMMUNITY TOGETHER

TO GIVE BACK AND MAKES HISTORY

‘We’re all impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic and bringing the Community together and meeting the needs of the people must be primary,’ declared Mayor Rev. Reginald W. Atkins

(ROSELLE) History was made this past weekend with approximately one thousand residents being impacted by a weekend GIVEAWAY campaign aimed at Roselle residents hosted by the Mayor and first lady of Roselle NJ.  The campaign was supported by State, County and local elected officials and various non-profit organizations (Unite Way of Greater Union County and Hillside Community Food Bank of New Jersey).

The well attended events started on Thursday morning with two FREE mobile COVID-19 testing sites championed by County Commissioner Andrea Staten.  The sites serviced over 300 residents. “As the Roselle representative on The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders, I was pleased to have the Union County COVID-19 Mobile Test Unit visit the Borough of Roselle. The huge turn out by residents is proof that these FREE services are needed in our community”, said Commissioner Staten. This is a perfect example of Local and County Government working together, providing residents with services and resources they need during this pandemic. I will continue to work with Roselle Mayor Reginald Atkins to bring additional services to the Borough. The next FREE Covid-19 testing walk-up event is scheduled for October 24, 2020.

On Saturday morning 250 students received backpacks filled with supplies, goodies, and are now prepared for the start of school thanks to the efforts of Assemblywoman Annette Quijano, Councilwoman Cindy Thomas and Councilwoman Cynthia Johnson. “Bringing people together to meet the various needs of our community is long overdue and it’s appreciated”, said Councilwoman Cynthia Jonson.

One block away, New Destiny CDC impacted the lives of over 413 residents with FREE GROCERIES, feminine products, diapers, water, and free grocery carts to its seniors and other residents, who do not have transportation. “Our kids and families can’t reach their full potential unless they have the bare resources and bare necessities,” said Dr. Cynthia Atkins. “That’s what we’re doing, we’re giving them the necessities to go into the school year to reach their full potential and food to live.   I’ve been telling everybody to make straight A’s. I don’t know how realistic that is, but I’m hoping they will all do well.”

“A lot of folks are in a situation where they can’t necessarily get a backpack filled with necessary  school items (notebooks, crayons, pencils, paper, and pens) nor food; due to the impact of this pandemic,” said Mayor Reginald Atkins. “So, the Roselle Community, and other volunteers (Assemblywoman Annette Quijano, County Commissioner Andrea Staten, Former Councilwoman Carla Walker, Councilwoman Cynthia Johnson,  Councilwoman Cindy Thomas, Donald Shaw, Elder Tanya Griffin, the Princess Foundation, Ebony Williams, Sharon Hunt, Vivian Quinones, Nidan Ruiz, Deirdre Peterson, Zarifa Raheem, Jennifer Salters, Mr. Kyle, and Ms. Page) filled them up with school supplies and food. So, it’s a really great thing.”

The book bag drive was initiated by Assemblyman Jamel C. Holley and taken over by Mayor Christine Dansereau.