Archdiocese of Newark distributes over 500 free turkeys
The Mercy House, a resource and referral center overseen by the Archdiocese of Newark, distributed a record total of 540 free turkeys — far exceeding the 300-400 it was expecting to give out — to families in need during its largest-ever Thanksgiving Giveaway. The breakdown includes 80 turkeys in Elizabeth, 250 turkeys in Jersey City, and 210 turkeys in Newark on November 15, 20, and 21, respectively.
Despite the brisk weather, visitors patiently waited in long lines outside each location, where Mercy House staff and volunteers provided the turkeys along with one bag of side dishes like stuffing, mashed potatoes, and cranberry sauce. Everyone went home with all they needed to prepare a Thanksgiving meal — something many may not have afforded to do otherwise.
“Thanksgiving is a special time for both families and the nation, which underscores the significance of our annual giveaway,” said Annette Miller, associate director of The Mercy House, who coordinated donation efforts for the Thanksgiving Giveaway. “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.
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 Director Cheryl A. Riley at cheryl.riley@rcan.org. For more information, visit www.rcan.org/respect-life/mercy-house.
Featured image: Mercy House Associate Director Pete Hernandez provides a turkey to a community member during the Archdiocese of Newark’s annual Thanksgiving Giveaway at The Mercy House in Newark on November 21, 2023. (Photo by Archdiocese of Newark/Sean Quinn)
