Mercy House warms hearts during winterwear giveaway
The Archdiocese of Newark’s Mercy House provided much needed support to people in need during its Winter Coat & Candy Giveaway from Oct. 26-28. Around 900 winter coats and many other items were distributed at its three locations in Jersey City, Newark, and Elizabeth over the three days.
During the Newark event, a long line formed outside the door and halls were bustling with neighbors and community members. Inside, clients found new and gently used coats for themselves and their children, along with hats, scarves, blankets, and more. Parents also received Halloween goody bags and some costumes for their kids so that they could join in the celebration this weekend.
“The Mercy House is a blessing to many families; each week, they provide food, clothing, and basic household items, as well as supplies for baby care,” said client Lizeth Muñóz, who came with her child. “They are always attentive to whatever might be needed.”
Mercy House director Cheryl Riley told press in Newark that “(people) are waiting in line just to get what they need: food, clothing, and the essentials to take care of their families… We want them and their babies to be warm. That’s what Mercy House is about.”
The rewards of giving back to others
Archdiocesan parishes, schools and other institutions contributed all the giveaway items. The Felician Sisters in Lodi even packaged knit hats with messages of support for recipients. They also helped sort and prepare items, along with volunteers from St. John the Apostle School in Clark and Oak Knoll School of the Holy Child in Summit.
“We get donations from all over.” Said Associate Director Annette Miller Agnish. “It’s kind of hard to keep track of them after a while!”
Students from Roselle Catholic and Mount St Dominic Academy in Caldwell assisted clients as they chose coats and winter items. First-year Seton Hall University students Sarah Castro and Skye Palacios were volunteers with the Division of Volunteer Efforts (DOVE,) a member organization of Seton Hall’s Campus Ministry also helping with the distribution.
“It feels rewarding to be able to meet new people and new faces, and just to give back to people,” Palacios said.
A welcoming mission
Ola, a client at the Newark giveaway, told reporters that she saw how Mercy House volunteers aided one visitor who had arrived with nothing: “They brought her in here, right here, and filled her bags… I saw it.”
Riley emphasized Mercy House’s welcoming mission, particularly to those who come from afar.
“[Many clients] come from climates where it’s very warm, and I tell them it’s not going to be like that here in New Jersey,” said Riley. “A lot of times they live in buildings or apartment buildings where the heat doesn’t work all the time, and we have to make sure that they’re warm.”
The Mercy House operates year-round. Its next special event will be the annual Thanksgiving Turkey Giveaway, to be held on Nov. 17 in Newark, Nov. 18 in Elizabeth, and Nov. 19 in Jersey City. Volunteers are still needed as well as food donations, especially turkeys. “We really can’t do it without the volunteers and the donations,” Riley said. “That’s really what keeps us going in all three locations.”
Volunteers emphasized that the work is rewarding. “We’re doing the Lord’s work here,” shared Joyce Schultz a longtime Mercy House volunteer. “We’re blessed: as much as we give out, we get back.”
To learn more about The Mercy House, including opportunities to volunteer and donate, CLICK HERE.
You can view more images of the winterwear giveaway on our PHOTO GALLERY.
Featured image: The Mercy House held its annual Winter Coat Giveaway from Oct. 26-28 at its three locations in the Archdiocese of Newark. (Photos by Christopher Benítez Cuartas / Sean Quinn / Archdiocese of Newark)
