During the meal, Kelly Hansen, TASK Adult Education Coordinator, spoke about the dedication of TASK’s volunteer tutors, many of whom come multiple times each week to work one-on-one with students in literacy, basic math, and GED preparation. Shirley Cook, a student who has learned to read in record time with the help of TASK’s tutors, read “To Achieve Your Dreams, Remember Your ABCs” and shared her great appreciation for the help she has received at the soup kitchen. Raymond Chapman, TASK’s most recent recipient of the GED, told guests about his experience at TASK and read a poem he had written upon his graduation from the Trenton Treatment Center. TASK’s tutors were collectively honored as the Volunteer of the Year.

The keynote speaker was Barbara DeGraaf, Assistant Director of the Division of Family Development for the New Jersey State Department of Human Services, who talked to TASK’s volunteers about the many challenges faced by those who come to the soup kitchen for services. Her informative message helped guests to more fully understand the importance of the work they do here at TASK.

Each guest received a poster designed by the A-Team Artists of Trenton, featuring photographs taken by the artists.

Thank you, TASK volunteers, for all that you do! You make our work possible.

See the photos taken by Dennis Randall.