Prom, Easter Baskets & Giveaways Galore: There’s Much to Know About Fatima Carranza

By Caitlin McGarry

You might know her from our seasonal giveaways or as the face behind Lunch Break’s Clara’s Closet clothing boutique. We know her as the office jokester and the face of fashion at Lunch Break. Most importantly, she has a heart of gold and gives her all every day providing our community with seasonal needs and essentials to celebrate milestones and holidays with dignity, equal opportunity and a little bit of flair. Get to know Fatima Carranza.

Q: How long have you been with Lunch Break and what is your current role?

A: I’ve been working for Lunch Break for almost three years now. My current role is Program and Outreach Coordinator; I oversee Clara’s Closet in Red Bank and at Brookdale Community College; the seasonal giveaways, including the Prom and Formal Attire giveaway, the Easter Basket giveaway, the Backpack program and the Holiday Gift program; and various ongoing social programs including the Kids Cooking Class, Womyn’s Worth and a Writing Workshop series in collaboration with Project Write Now.

Q: What is your professional background and how did it prepare you for your role at Lunch Break?

A: I have a background working with kids and families in this community. I worked at the Red Bank YMCA for about 10 years, during which time I became the Regional Youth Development Coordinator. I grew up in Red Bank, and I’ve always wanted to work in this town and give back to the community. Working with the YMCA and developing their kids programming broadened my horizons and helped me to see the possibilities for making a difference in my community. When I found Lunch Break it was an easy transition. I’ve seen a lot of growth in the families here and in this community – it’s a heartwarming feeling to have worked in this community for so long and to get to witness that growth firsthand.

Q: What is your favorite part of your day-to-day at Lunch Break?

A: Seeing the volunteers. I absolutely adore my team. I know when they’re in and they brighten my day – they’re my friends.

Q: How long has the Prom Giveaway existed and how has it evolved since you’ve been the coordinator?

A: This is the 9th Prom Giveaway. I think with all the programs that I oversee, especially the big seasonal giveaways, such as Prom, Backpacks and Holiday Toy, the demand gets bigger every year. The need is always increasing and more people are becoming aware of Lunch Break. In turn, we get more donations from our incredible donors. The supply seems to be meeting the demand for now, but the demand is really increasing every year. There’s a massive amount of people now who are looking forward to these giveaways.

Q: What’s your favorite “perfect outfit” moment from a Lunch Break client?

A: There was a young woman at Brookdale recently who said to me “Thank you so much, I’m a foreign exchange student and was really worried about what to wear to my interview”. A lot of these students, they’re here alone. And seeing young students feel less alone and at home in their choice of clothing, that really makes it worth it. Being that helping-hand means a lot to them and to me.

Another heartwarming story from the Prom Giveaway was with a girl I used to watch at the YMCA when she was around four-years-old, who came to the giveaway to get a dress. That was a really happy, full-circle moment for me. And I’m having moments like that a lot with the kids and families around here because I’ve worked in this town for over a decade, and it’s always a wholesome experience.

Q: What lights you up?

A: I love making people laugh, at work and in life. I love laughing and I love a good joke. People are too serious sometimes. Tell a joke! Laugh at yourself!

Q: What is the best part of running Lunch Break giveaways?

A: It is a lot of work and pretty labor-intensive getting everything organized for the giveaways, but the payoff is truly incredible.The best part is always seeing the families and the kids. I’ve been here for about 3 years and in that time, you get to know the families who are coming in. You’re excited to see each other and I’m so ecstatic to be there for them and give them all these goodies. I do a lot of hard work preparing for these events and it always pays off when someone tells me , “You don’t know how much this means to me.” I try to make sure everyone knows these are happy events, no one feels excluded and everyone has a nice experience because it’s for them.

Also, at the Brookdale Clara’s Closet location and during the Monmouth University Giveaway, you’re meeting a lot of students. These giveaways are great ways to show students the services available to them, on campus and in the community. It’s really nice to see young students using these resources and getting to know what support Monmouth County has for them and people in general. It’s taking away the stigma of asking for and accepting help.

Q: Describe your perfect outfit of the day.

A: I’m a huge proponent of it’s not what you wear, it’s HOW you wear it . I love fashion. My personal Power Fit – I love hot pink, I have this hot pink button down or dress – that is when I feel my most powerful. I’m also all about comfort – some cool & comfy velvet pants– I wear those a lot. I love being fashionable AND comfortable. Recently, I started wearing ties. I’m also really into knowing your colors that look good on you. I’m jewel tones – and hot pink!

Q. What do you see for the future?

A: A Lunch Break thrift store. It would have its own separate location, where people know that what’s donated will be sold at a low price to benefit our programs. We get really nice items donated and there are people who would pay for it. People could come to our store to buy sustainable gifts and the money would go back into our vital programs.