By Alice Kenny
Thanks to support from the Mayor’s Fund Holiday Meal mini-grant and other generous donations, Catholic Charities provided 1,000 meals, warmth and support throughout the holiday season to those struggling in the Staten Island Hurricane Sandy Recovery Zone.
Catholic Charities served dinner to 682 people including victims of Hurricane Sandy, day laborers and their families, and low-income residents and gave toys to children at the CYO Center at Anderson Avenue in Staten Island on the Friday before Christmas, December 21, 2012.
Then, on Christmas Day, Catholic Charities hosted a sit-down dinner for more 300 people including day laborers and their families at the same location. The multi-course meal included everything from turkey to apple pie and was donated and served by Young Israel and Temple Emmanuel. After the meal, guests received gifts of clothing and toys.
On New Year’s eve and day, Catholic Charities delivered 6,000 meals to families in the Hurricane-ravaged Midland Beach neighborhood to reach those hardest hit by the super storm.
To top off the holiday, Catholic Charities celebrated Three Kings Day – El Dia de Los Reyes – by serving up a light traditional Mexican meal to 316 people on January 3 at the CYO Center. After the meal, three “kings” distributed toys and books to the children as well as clothing and toiletries to those in need.
The holidays have come to a close but need continues.
Would you like to help? Donate today, or sign up to volunteer.