It’s time once again for the annual Donation Drive for the men at The Market Street Mission in Morristown, in memory of Jeannemarie Ahrens, a beloved South Orange resident who passed away several years ago. The Market Street Mission Life Change Program is an 8-12-month intensive program which helps men get off of drugs and alcohol, get off the street, and get on the path to a productive and happy life.
“Jeanne has been gone a few years now, but her presence is still deeply missed,” said her friend Meg Marlowe, a South Orange resident. “Her mother and sisters stepped up to the plate, and they carry on in her stead. I am so grateful to the entire Ahrens family.”
Marlowe was herself homeless in 2007 and lived in a shelter for 2 1/2 months, until her sister-in-law offered her “a bed and a plan,” as Marlowe puts it. In 2008, Marlowe and her sisters set out to give back by establishing the drive, and posted it on Maplewood Online. Many South Orange and Maplewood residents pitched in and donated new items for the men for Christmas, funds, and gently used items for the Mission’s Thrift Store.
In 2009, Ahrens took it upon herself to donate enough hats, gloves, and scarves for every man, despite her own physical and financial struggles, said Marlowe. Ahrens continued to buy items for all the men the next year until sadly, she passed away in 2011. Her sisters and mother took up her task of providing these items for all the men, whose numbers increased with each year, and continue to honor their sister with these donations.
Ahrens’ sister Sue said, “[The men] will know that people care for them and are praying for them.”
Renamed the Market Street Mission Donation Drive in Memory of Jeannemarie Ahrens, the effort has grown over the years but is still in need. To donate new items for the men, or gently used goods for the Thrift Store, contact Meg Marlowe at 973-821-5484, or meg.e.marlowe@gmail.com. Cash and check donations are also accepted; all donations are tax-deductible. Make checks out to Market Street Mission, and in the memo line write, “Men’s Christmas.”
MARKET STREET MISSION CHRISTMAS GIFT COLLECTION
STANDARD ITEMS :
Dress Shirts (15 ½ – 20 ½ ” neck)
Sweatpants & shirts (L-5XL)
Flannel shirts (XL – 5XL)
Long Sleeve T-shirts (L-5XL)
Thermal Underwear sets (L – 5XL)
Flannel PJ Bottoms (L-5XL)
One size fits all belts
Toiletries, such as:
Shampoo/conditioner
Deodorant
Razors, shaving cream
Toothpaste, toothbrushes
Soap
Dental floss
Q-tips
Nail clippers
Chap stick
OPTIONAL GIFT BAG ITEMS:
Gift cards: Subway, Starbucks, Dunkin Donuts
Movie Passes – AMC Theatre
Phone cards
Items needed for thrift store include:
- Clothing
- Housewares
- Appliances
- Sporting goods
- Knick-knacks.
- The Thrift Store accepts donations of most items except toys, magazines, tires, batteries, and weapons.
If you wish to donate furniture, call the Thrift Store at (973) 538-0427 for free pickup.
“I feel that everyone deserves a second chance, everyone deserves help to change their lives, everyone deserves a hand-up,” said Marlowe. “I am so grateful for my second chance, and I feel so blessed to help others who need it too.”
