JERSEY CITY, NJ – As America prepares to observe Memorial Day and remember those who made the ultimate sacrifice in the service of our nation, The Provident Bank is partnering with Operation XO to send much-needed care packages to our troops serving in remote locations in Iraq and Afghanistan. From May 21 to June 8, each of Provident’s 80 plus branches will collect donations of toiletries, snacks and other in-demand items.

Operation XO is a nonprofit organization – started by two Army wives, Heather McKnight Hamilton and Amanda Riker – that provides basic items, including non-perishable single-serve meals and toiletries, to troops stationed in hard-to-reach areas. Amanda’s mother, Doreen Noonan, is a commercial loan coordinator at Provident and suggested that the bank serve as a donation site. Noonan’s husband is also currently serving overseas.

“Thousands of troops stationed in remote locations and combat zones have limited or no access to basic items, like deodorant and sun block. The military can only supply so much,” said Noonan. “Some don’t even have access to running water – something we take for granted every day. With help from the community, Operation XO will send packages of snacks, toiletries and other necessities to our troops to help improve their quality of life.”

In addition to branches serving as drop-off locations, Provident will cover the shipping costs for the first 100 packages collected.

Richard Vaill, business development officer at Provident, served on active duty as a Logistics Officer with the 2nd Marine Division in Desert Storm, and said receiving packages from “home” is always deeply appreciated.

“Care packages help bring some of the comforts of home to our troops. It’s important for us to let them know that we’re thinking of them and appreciate their service,” said Vaill. “These small items can make a big difference. What better time to show our support than in the spirit of Memorial Day?”

For a list of items to donate, visit www.operationxo.org and click on Get Involved. To find a Provident branch location, visit www.ProvidentNJ.com or call 800-448-PROV (7768).

About The Provident Bank

With $4.9 billion in deposits, The Provident Bank (www.providentnj.com) serves its customers via a network of more than 80 branches throughout northern and central New Jersey. The Provident Bank is the wholly owned subsidiary of Provident Financial Services, Inc. (NYSE:PFS), which reported assets of $6.8 billion as of March 31, 2010.

The post Provident Serves as Temporary Outpost for “Operation XO” first appeared on River View Observer.

We should expect to see a fairly noticeable campaign from leading appliance manufacturers and the stores that sell major appliances in the coming months. In addition to the government-sponsored rebate program, most people replacing dated appliances with new, more efficient models will actually realize a costs savings in terms of energy usage.

With Energy-Star rated products in particular, there are significant savings possible from the standpoint of water and electric usuage , especially with appliances like washing machines  and refrigerators.

Although the original cash for clunkers program had its problems, it definitely drove sales of automobiles at a time when there would likely have not been near that level of consumer activity. And while the impact of the appliance program is expected to be fairly minimal in comparison to the automobile program, it will definitely have an impact and it will most certainly be a welcome boost to appliance manufacturers and retailers.

The post New Cash for Clunkers Program Targets Household Appliances first appeared on River View Observer.

  The holidays should be a time of joy, good cheer and high hopes for the upcoming new year. However, after the gift shopping, holiday decorating, and family get-togethers are done, many people are often left with elevated levels of stress or depression this time of the year.

The holidays are also a time when people feel the loss of a loved one more sharply. Even the memory of a traumatic event, such as a serious illness, can dampen one’s holiday spirits. Older adults, for example, may feel isolated or forgotten, as the season reminds them of happier times.

Whatever the reason, there are strategies that we can use to fight holiday depression.

 The health care professionals at Christ Hospital offer the following suggestions to help ease the stress in the midst of this holiday season:

 Make a list and prioritize the activities that are important to you.

•  Limit your alcohol consumption. Drinking too much can lead to uninhibited behavior, hangovers, and remorse, all of which can lead to depression.
•  Make an active effort not to worry too much or get bogged down with details.
•  Avoid overeating and get enough rest. Though it may be hard to do, the benefits of both are obvious.
• Play games to keep your brain sharp. There are many different kinds of games — such as trivia, memory and math — and skill levels to suit all kinds of people. Games can also be a fun way to spend time with others.
•  Increase your physical activity. Go for walks at safe and warm locations, such as the mall, which will help improve lower body strength, maintain mobility and help prevent cognitive decline. Being active increases your endorphins, which decreases stress levels.
•  Spend time with supportive and caring people. These kinds of social connections are good for your emotional well-being.
•  Laugh a lot. Laughing increases circulation, immune system defenses and mental function. As the saying goes, laughter often is the best medicine.
•  Remember to take some time for yourself. Do the things that you enjoy, such as reading a book or listening to music.

 For more information about depression, anxiety, and substance dependence, please call Christ Hospital’s Department of Behavioral Health Services at (201) 795-8375.

 

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The post Holiday Health Stress Tips first appeared on River View Observer.