Food Drive Held in Memory of Kevin Kret
BY LES PIERCE
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TheJournalNJ.com | JUNE 2020 19
On July 31, 2009, Middletown resident Kevin Kret suffered
a traumatic brain stem injury after falling backward off a
skate board in front of his home. The injury left him minimally
conscious.
Over the years, his parents, Joan and Michael, dedicated
their lives to resolving the condition. Unfortunately, in spite of
consulting countless specialists, Kevin remained in the minimally
conscious state. Sadly, he passed away recently on Palm
Sunday, April 5 at 29 years of age.
The Knights of Columbus Father McGivney Council #6392,
of Lincroft, organized a food drive in Kevin’s memory that was
held on May 2, one day after what would have been his 30th
birthday. The drive was held for two hours at the Barn for the
Poorest of Poor (aka “The Barn”) in Middletown.
The event was conducted as a drive-by drop-off site, adhering
to COVID-19 safety parameters. Volunteers in masks and
gloves managed the four drop sites and transferred the offerings
to the onsite warehouse.
More than 200 cars came through during the two-hour
span, and 230 crates of food were collected. A staff of 26 work-
-
unteers were provided by KoC Father McGivney Council #6392,
KoC Vincent T. Lobardi Council #6552, CBA Father’s Club, Saint
Leo the Great Holy Name Society, and other friends and supporters
of the Barn for the Poorest of the Poor and the Kret family.
Kevin Sprake of KoC Council #6392 stated, “In the spirit
of our founder, Venerable Michael J. McGivney, the Knights of
Columbus council 6392 in Lincroft looks to lead local efforts
like those supported by the Barn for the Poorest of the Poor, a
volunteer organization from Middletown that provides food for
over 20 food banks locally, in northern New Jersey and New York
City. To memorialize the life of Kevin Kret and in support of the
Kret family, who have been a beacon of hope throughout Kevin’s
journey, the Knights of Columbus put our faith into action
to help people who are suffering during this very challenging
time. Our sincere thanks and continued prayers go out to the
Kret family in remembrance of their son and brother, Kevin, who
has inspired us all to love one another.”
Kevin’s siblings,
Dylan, Jennifer and
Megan, joined their
parents in greeting
and thanking contributors.
“We always want
to remember Kevin
and keep his memory
alive,” said Megan
Kret. “We can celebrate
little things like
his birthday, have his
friends over and do
things in his name like
Volunteers collect food donations from passing cars.
Kevin Kret
the food drive. I can’t believe all that happened and the way it did. God chose our
family to gift us with Kevin and his story. I hope we continue to realize what an
impact he had on us and on this world. Kevin taught us to slow down and realize
what is important in life. He has given us a glimpse of eternity.”
/TheJournalNJ.com