Archdiocese hands out 1,000 gift bags to families in need at Easter giveaway
The Mercy House, a resource and referral center operated by the Archdiocese of Newark, brought Easter joy to families in need by distributing about 1,000 gift bags filled with candy, crayons, and other treats during its annual spring giveaway. This year’s event took place at all three of its locations in Jersey City, Newark, and Elizabeth, making it The Mercy House’s biggest Easter initiative yet.
Mercy House staff and volunteers handed out the holiday-themed bags to approximately 250 individuals in Jersey City on March 25, 350 individuals in Newark on March 26, and 200 individuals in Elizabeth on March 27. Visitors, visibly appreciative, also received packages of small toys and plastic eggs filled with more sweets. Additionally, 16 raffle winners received bundles containing everything needed for an Easter meal, including ham, potatoes, and chocolate cake.
Beyond its three locations, The Mercy House sent another 200 gift bags to Emmanuel Church of Christ’s preschool and St. Patrick’s Pro-Cathedral in Newark.
“Jesus called us to help those in need, and that’s exactly what we’re doing at The Mercy House,” said Cheryl A. Riley, director of The Mercy House. “We’re making sure that children from families who can’t afford gifts can share the joy of what the Easter Bunny brought them, just like any other child. Every child deserves a happy Easter.”
The Easter giveaway was made possible through the generosity of St. Elizabeth University and nine archdiocesan parishes and Catholic schools, which contributed between 50 and 100 items each. Students from one of these schools, Mount St. Dominic Academy in Caldwell, also assisted at the Newark event. There they witnessed the significant need regularly addressed by The Mercy House, even selecting jackets for parents who required more than candy for their children this Easter.
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 — financial contributions are especially appreciated — contact Cheryl A. Riley at cheryl.riley@rcan.org. For more information, visit www.rcan.org/respect-life/mercy-house.
Photos by Archdiocese of Newark/Sean Quinn
Featured image: Mercy House coordinator Brenda Rivera-Rodriguez (right) distributed bags filled with Easter candy and other treats during the Archdiocese of Newark’s annual Easter Giveaway at The Mercy House in Newark on March 26, 2024.
