Tomchei Shabbos Of Lakewood Seeks Help From Trenton

At least 800 people packed the Trenton War Memorial yesterday, to learn how they could get a taste of the billions of dollars in federal stimulus money soon to be spread across New Jersey. Even organizers were taken aback by the throng that showed up for the informational session, at which participants had a chance to get advice from officials of the dozen or so federal agencies overseeing the $787 billion national stimulus program. In the back, sat J.S, who helps direct Tomchei Shabbos in Lakewood. He said the recession had caused a spike in the number of people who need food. "I am here," he said, "to see what kind of help we can get from the government." With 8.4 million people, New Jersey has 2.7 percent of the U.S. population, Corzine said, but will get 3.2 percent of stimulus funds - about $17.5 billion, including $7.3 billion in tax cuts for individuals and businesses. Frank R. Lautenberg called it "far more than our share."At least 300 of the people on hand were said to be local government officials looking for the keys to finding aid for their communities. TPI/TLS.