Thanksgiving, a Special Time for Catholic Charities

Thanksgiving is a special time of year for Catholic Charities, Diocese of Paterson.

Thousands of individuals, as well as businesses, service organizations and schools have given over the last several weeks to help feed those most in need, just in time for Thanksgiving.

Last year, we gave out an astounding 2,000 turkeys and chickens to families and this year we are going to greatly exceed that.

“I am so uplifted by the thousands of people who have given during this challenging time. Right now, our food pantry is full, but within the next several days, all of this food will be given out. Our donors, volunteers and staff are doing God’s work and words cannot express my appreciation,” said Carlos Roldan, Catholic Charities Food Pantry Director.

“The acts of kindness during this special time of year have truly been countless. There are so many people who are selflessly giving.  Dropping off food with smiles on their faces, looking for nothing in return. Witnessing this kind of generosity is nourishing for your soul; knowing that there are so many who are looking to do good,” said Chris Brancato Catholic Charities Development Director.

Thanksgiving preparation takes weeks at Catholic Charities’ food pantries and many other programs.

On November 12th, With the help of the Community Foodbank of New Jersey, Catholic Charities Fr. English Food Pantry gave out 3,500 turkeys and 1,100 bags of food to partner charities and food pantries to help feed the hungry this Thanksgiving. This food was given out through the Community Foodbank’s Annual Turkey Drive and through the support of generous Foodbank donors.  Later on this day, Catholic Charities hand delivered turkeys, chickens and groceries to hundreds of homebound seniors.

Over 25 parishes and Catholic Schools from throughout the Paterson Diocese and beyond held food drives or dropped off food, and more will continue to do so in the coming days.

Businesses such has Madison Park Foods, have also given back. The company dropped off 600 tins of turkey seasoning, as a nice extra for those in need.  BMW from Woodcliff Lake, raised over $3,000 for Catholic Charities in addition to hosting a month-long food drive. Community partners, Atlantic Health dropped off frozen hams and turkeys for Hope House in Dover and the Department for Persons with Disabilities group homes. On November 19th, IBEW Hudson Unit with the help of Verizon dropped off hundreds of pounds of food and stayed to learn more about the tireless work of our food pantries.

Service organizations including the Knights of Columbus and Knights of Malta have supported Catholic Charities since our inception and continue to give to those most in need. The Knights of Columbus St. Therese Council 6320 and the Paterson Federation have held numerous food drive and had a van load of food for Catholic Charities food pantries, their tenth donation since the start of the pandemic. The Knights of Malta with the help of St. Vincent Martyr Parish in Madison distributed over $7,500 in Shoprite gift cards to the students of LA Vida III in Paterson, along with backpacks filled with school supplies.

Individual donors have also recognized the immense need and have given back. Mr. Jason Werner the owner of a Paterson based company, Ever Clear Pools and Spas launched his second annual Harold Werner Food Drive to benefit our food pantries.  This event, in memory of his father raised over $15,000 last year.

 “I used to come here (to Fr. English Food Pantry) with my mom and my sister.  We relied on this program to feed our family. We never forgot the kindness.  We were proud to pay it forward this year and give back to Catholic Charities,” said Carolina, a food pantry donor who was once a food pantry service recipient.  

These many acts of kindness will help thousands of people at Catholic Charities food pantries and additional programs.

In addition to Catholic Charities 3 food pantries (Fr. English, Paterson; Hope House Dover; and Partnership for Social Services, Franklin), Catholic Charities staff are working around the clock on Thanksgiving.

“Individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities helped at the Department for Persons with Disabilities are sheltering in place at their group homes and supervised apartments, while dedicated staff provide support, friendship, and delicious food.  At Straight and Narrow, individuals are choosing recovery and staying within the program on Thanksgiving.  Straight and Narrow residential life counselors are proudly working on this holiday to be an uplifting presence.  We thank our staff throughout Catholic Charities for all they have done and continue to do before, on and after Thanksgiving,” said Scott Milliken, Catholic Charities CEO.

To learn more about the widespread work of Catholic Charities, please visit www.ccpaterson.org.