Monroe Lead the Way President Scott Whyte hopes this year’s Helping Hands Hoagie Sale scores a touchdown for local families in need. The Super Bowl Sunday fundraiser — which benefits Williamstown families facing medical issues — has inspired the community to make the event a success.
“Preorders is the big thing. That way, we don’t have to sell as much on the street,” Whyte said. “This year, we’re looking to have at least 500 to 600 preorder sales.”
The Helping Hands Hoagie Sale is slated for Super Bowl Sunday on Feb. 2. Hoagies can be picked up from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Williamstown Middle School, at the 5/6 entrance. Cost is $10 for a full hoagie and $5 for a half hoagie, with Italian, cheese and turkey options. For $50, hoagie trays can also be preordered — perfect for Super Bowl parties.
The sale is run in partnership with Washington Township High School, which hosts its own hoagie sale the same day. While all of the hoagie preparations are held at WTHS, Monroe Lead the Way members travel to the neighboring school early Sunday morning to pick up its hoagies.
“Washington Township pre-makes all of the hoagies for us. They’re very kind with what they do for Williamstown,” Whyte said.
Preorders, which help volunteers estimate production needs, are highly recommended and can be made online at wtef-nj.com. Online, customers can choose Williamstown as their beneficiary. Williamstown order forms can also be downloaded from the website.
In addition to picking up orders and buying hoagies at Williamstown Middle School, there will be street crews safely selling hoagies at busy street corners.
“Williamstown Braves Football Huddle Club goes out on the street with their team. They are a big machine behind this whole thing and help make it work,” Whyte said, adding the Williamstown Football Booster Club also backs the sale.
The community has gotten more involved over the years with the sale, started many years ago when former Williamstown Superintendent Charles Earling reached out to Washington Township. Earling left the sale to Marlene Coehlo last year (who did a wonderful job, according to Whyte), and this year Monroe Lead the Way took the helm.
“I jumped in myself and a bunch of volunteers, and figured we’d continue it on,” Whyte said.
In addition to the school district and football clubs, other local youth athletic programs help with the sale, and this year Monroe Township Council members have gotten involved.
Between hoagies and sponsorships, last year’s sale raised almost $10,000. Whyte said sponsors are still being sought for this year’s sale. For $250, businesses can get their name on the label of 1,000 hoagies. For $400, it will be placed on 2,000 hoagies.
As far as a hoagie favorite, Whyte said the Italian hoagie has been the consistent MVP.
“This year, we’re actually trying to push a little bit more of the turkey hoagie along with it,” Whyte said.
To place an order for the Helping Hands Hoagie Sale, visit wtef-nj.com. Washington Township or Williamstown can be chosen as the beneficiary. Order forms can also be downloaded. For sponsorship information, call Whyte at (856) 466-1777.
