A Special Band Invites You To a Free Holiday Concert

Project P.A.C.K.M.A.N is a band made up of area students to help the community. Their next concert will raise money for The Foodbank of Monmouth and Ocean Counties.

Police and Community Kids Music Against Narcotics (Project P.A.C.K.M.A.N., Inc.) was created by Sea Girt Patrolman Robert Melendez. His assignment as a DARE officer led him to develop a program that takes community kids into a world where they can express themselves through their musical interests.

Project P.A.C.K.M.A.N. is dedicated to providing our communities' youth with a postiive anti-drug and alcohol program where they can develop their unique musical talents to benefit their growth and development. It provides an atmosphere in which they can express themselves responsibly. It also serves as a way for these young adults to serve the communities in which they live.

And they're really, really talented musicians! So if you're in the mood for a Rock N' Roll Christmas and supporting our food banks to keep hurricane Sandy victims in Monmouth and Ocean Counties fed, come on out to the Holiday Food Drive and Concert on Dec. 14th, 7 p.m. - 8:30 p.m., in the Sea Girt Elementary School on Rt. 71 in Sea Girt.

This year they would like to break their record of 1,000 lbs. and double that to one ton of food! Entry is free...just bring your non-perishable food donation to the door. This is their biggest event in ten years! And Santa will even be making a special appearance!

I you can't make it, you can donate at their drop-off center: Rocco's Pizzeria, Rt. 71, Manasquan. Or you can drop off directly at the Monmouth/Ocean Food Bank on Wayside Road and Rt. 66 in Neptune.

Most needed items: ready-to-eat canned meals, canned meat, canned tuna, canned fruits, canned vegetables, instant potatoes, peanut butter, canned pork and beans, canned juices, sip-size juices, hot and cold cereals, nonperishable milk, canned or dried soup, and jelly.

Project P.A.C.K.M.A.N. is a registered 501(C)3 organization so any donation is tax deductible. P.O. Box 23, Sea Girt, NJ 08750.