Ewing Township Business Administrator, James McManimon, on behalf of Mayor Bert Steinmann, accepted more than $5000 in gift cards from the Incarnation-St. James Catholic School and Parish, Ewing for the victims of the March 4 gas explosion in Ewing’s South Fork neighborhood.

“As an Incarnation alumni, I appreciate how generous and caring the ISJ School and parish community are, and this gift reflects the values the students of this school learn and share throughout the year on behalf of the wider community,” said McManimon, Incarnation Class of 1972.

When reached for comment, Mayor Steinmann said, “Our township is strong because of the concern we have for each other, especially in time of need, as we have seen again and again since the tragic explosion. The Incarnation-St. James community, which has been a good neighbor for nearly 60 years, has shown that commitment today through this generous and much-needed donation to the families of South Fork.”

Immaculate Heart of Mary Sister Francis Michael,  school principal, who helped to organize the collection and present the gift cards, said, “Our parish and school believe in ‘love thy neighbor,’ and we were blessed to feel that love in 2010 when our school was on the brink of closure. The local community responded with an amazing outpouring of help and support, keeping our school open as a beacon of hope. We are delighted to play a part now in helping to share that hope with families affected by the South Fork explosion.“

The gift card fundraising effort, which began in March, was conducted both in the school and through solicitations in the parish weekly bulletin. Many families and parishioners participated, as well as the local community, including funds raised through a bus trip organized by former Ewing Mayor, Jack Ball.