For years, Alex Kaganzev, 52, and Steve Plevins, 61, watched each other perform charitable acts and hold fundraisers in separate capacities. It finally occurred to them last year to join forces, realizing they could help more people together than independently.
Their first order of business was forming “Project Thanksgiving,” in which the Vineland residents teamed with the Salvation Army and other area companies, including four ShopRite locations — in Millville, Deerfield Township and two in Vineland — to coordinate a county-wide turkey drive.
With publicity from WVLT Cruisin’ 92.1-FM and other area volunteers, “Project Thanksgiving” had a tremendous first year, resulting in 330 turkeys being distributed by the Salvation Army to needy families.
“Project Thanksgiving” returns 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, with drop-off locations at the same ShopRites. Monetary donations also will be accepted.
“Steve and I realized a huge need for community support helping the impoverished,” said Kaganzev, who once coordinated a “Project Santa” toy drive for Christmas. “The most important thing about this is that all of the donations directly go to people. We were overwhelmed by last year’s generosity. We were hoping to collect 25; instead we got 330. There are a lot of people out there with good hearts who want to do something and just don’t know how to go about it. They need a catalyst. We fill that need.”
Short stories
n Egg Harbor Township’s Kara Cermanski is the new marketing manager of the Atlantic City Convention Center and Boardwalk Hall. The Penn State University graduate will develop marketing campaigns for the venues and assist with promotions, sales and publicity. She comes to Atlantic City after serving as director of marketing and special events for the United Way of Atlantic County.
n Swanson Hardware Supply Inc. recently appointed Vineland’s William Boyer its new rental and repair shop manager and assistant store manager. Boyer will report to Vineland’s John Casalinuovo, director of operations. Swanson also hired Franklin Township, Gloucester County’s Maurice Renshaw as a sales representative and Millville’s Daniel Connor as a sales representative and service technician.
Everyone Has a Story appears Sundays, Mondays and Wednesdays. To share your story, call Scott Cronick at 609-272-7017 or e-mail him at scronick@pressofac.com.
