The Archdiocese of Newark gave away approximately 250 free turkeys at The Mercy House in Jersey City on Monday, officials said today.
By John Heinis/Hudson County View
“Thanksgiving is a special time for both families and the nation, which underscores the significance of our annual giveaway,” Annette Miller, associate director of The Mercy House, who coordinated donation efforts for the Thanksgiving Giveaway, said in a statement.
“It remains important for us to organize this event each year because the rising cost of food is a challenge for many people and may prevent them from celebrating. Thankfully, this year we saw an outpouring of donations from parishes, schools, and individuals, and we are very grateful. It’s wonderful to see so many people pulling together to help those in need.”
Among the archdiocesan parishes that contributed were Westfield’s St. Helen Church, which provided 100 turkeys, and Roseland’s Our Lady of the Blessed Sacrament Church, which supplied 20 turkeys and 50 large bags of food.
Catholic schools such as Christ the Teacher Academy in Fort Lee and the Academy of the Most Blessed Sacrament in Franklin Lakes also donated significant amounts of poultry.
Additionally, two private donors provided 200 turkeys, the FLIK Hospitality Group supplied 25 turkeys, Nanina’s in the Park gave 20 large baskets of food, and the Fort Lee public school district donated enough turkeys to fill a bus.
Mercy House also did turkey giveaways at their locations in Elizabeth and Newark.
The Mercy House provides nonperishable food, clothing, baby supplies, furniture, and help finding work and housing to anyone in need.
If you would like to volunteer or make a donation, contact Director Cheryl A. Riley at cheryl.riley@rcan.org or visit their website for more information.
