The Sussex County Board of Commissioners is proud to announce that the Board of Trustees of the German Christmas Market of New Jersey presented the Sussex County Division of Social Services with a $2,500 grant award to support Social Services’ food pantry. Deputy Director Jack DeGroot, Commissioner Chris Carney, Commissioner Alan Henderson, Commissioner David Silverthrone, and Health and Human Services Administrator Christine Florio attended the annual Giving Back event at the Sussex County Fairgrounds on March 15, 2026 to accept the award.
The German Christmas Market of New Jersey is a non-profit foundation that hosts an annual community event in Sussex County to celebrate the Christmas Holiday. The foundation then distributes the proceeds back into the community in the form of grant awards and in-kind donations to Sussex County charities and non-profits. Along with the Division of Social Services, this year saw 63 other organizations receive awards and the German Christmas Market of New Jersey was able to give out over a $177,000 to these various organizations.
“Since 1932, Sussex County’s Division of Social Services has been providing public assistance and social services to the people of Sussex County. One of Social Services’ vital services is the county’s food pantry. The food pantry provides critical food supplies for people who are in need and it currently serves approximately 14,000 residents each year.” stated Commissioner Henderson, who serves as a liaison to Sussex County’s Department of Health & Human Services. “Due to the important role the food pantry plays in Sussex County, this award will further help the pantry’s efforts and allow for the pantry to continue to be a vital resource for Sussex County’s most vulnerable residents.”
“This award is deeply appreciated,” stated Deputy Director Jack DeGroot. “I cannot thank the Board of Trustees enough for their hard work and recognizing the important role the food pantry plays in helping the residents of Sussex County.” The Sussex County Commissioner Board, the Department of Health and Human Services, and Division of Social Services sincerely express their thanks to the Board of Trustees for this award and look forward to this year’s German Christmas Market in December.
If anyone is in need of food for themselves or their family, they can stop by the Division of Social Services located at 83 Spring Street in Newton, NJ, from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. Food or pet donations are accepted during these hours or special arrangements can be made for after-hours donations by calling 973-383-3600.
