Archdiocese of Newark distributes more than 300 coats to people in need
The Mercy House, a resource and referral center operated by the Archdiocese of Newark’s Respect Life Office, distributed more than 300 free coats and other winter wear to children and adults in need during its annual “Coats and Candy Giveaway” on Oct. 25.
Though the event did not officially begin until 11 a.m., a large group gathered outside The Mercy House’s Newark location at 620 Clinton Ave. four hours early to reserve a place in line. Once inside the building, they picked out a new or gently used coat for each family member who required one. They also received hats, gloves, scarves, sweaters, and other winter apparel. And because Halloween was right around the corner, everyone left with a small bag filled with sweet treats.
“We do this giveaway every year because there’s always a need for it,” said Cheryl A. Riley, director of the Respect Life Office and The Mercy House. “In the weeks leading up to this year’s event, we saw a lot of people coming into The Mercy House who had no coats — including little kids. And we serve a lot of migrants from hot weather countries who don’t even know how cold New Jersey gets. We make sure everyone has what they need to stay warm in the winter.”
All clothing was generously donated by archdiocesan employees, parishes, and individual donors. This included more than 150 coats contributed by the parishioners of St. Stephen Church in Kearny and roughly 50 coats collected through a charity drive at the Archdiocese’s Pastoral Center in Newark. Additionally, Accem Warehouse in Bayonne donated 140 boxes of new sweaters.
Opened in 2018 as a center for pregnant and parenting women, The Mercy House has since expanded its mission to support anyone in need. Today it provides nonperishable food, clothing, baby supplies, furniture, and help finding work and housing to all who visit its Newark location during its operating hours every Tuesday and Friday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. It also holds special events throughout the year, with the next one being its annual “Thanksgiving Turkey Giveaway” on Nov. 22. For more information, visit www.rcan.org/respect-life/mercy-house.
Photos by Archdiocese of Newark/Sean Quinn
Featured image: Christine Geiges-Krey (center), the archdiocesan Respect Life Office’s administrative assistant, helps community members pick out coats.
