Creran Celebration Etherington & Creran Funeral Homes (Oaklyn) completed its 2nd Annual Food Drive, a community initiative that supports local food pantries and helps families in need. The 2024 drive, which began in August and ran through the first week of December, collected food and nonperishable items for the Gloucester City Helping Hands Food Pantry and the Oaklyn Food Pantry.

In a remarkable show of collaboration and generosity, the Mercer County Community College Sigma Phi Sigma funeral service class joined the effort, significantly bolstering the drive’s impact. Together, the community and the students collected an impressive 560 pounds of food and other essential items, which were then distributed to the partnering food pantries.

“We are deeply moved by the support and generosity of our community and partners,” said Dennis C. McGee Jr., managing funeral director of Creran Celebration Etherington & Creran Funeral Homes. “The addition of the Sigma Phi Sigma funeral service class this year not only brought fresh energy to the initiative but also exemplified the power of working together for a common cause.”

The annual food drive is part of Creran Celebration Etherington & Creran Funeral Homes’ commitment to giving back to the community it serves. By partnering with local organizations and engaging the support of neighbors, the funeral home aims to address food insecurity and make a meaningful difference in the lives of families in Gloucester City and Oaklyn.

The funeral home extends heartfelt thanks to everyone who contributed to this year’s food drive. Each donation, no matter the size, played a vital role in reaching this year’s impressive total. As plans for next year’s drive take shape, Creran Celebration Etherington & Creran Funeral Homes encourages everyone to stay connected and continue supporting initiatives that uplift the community. crerancelebration.com