The Mercy House distributes Thanksgiving turkeys to families in need

With food prices high and millions currently out of work, the Archdiocese of Newark’s Mercy House faced unprecedented demand during its annual Thanksgiving Turkey Giveaway from Nov. 24-26. But the resource and referral center rose to the occasion, ultimately distributing nearly 800 turkeys in what turned out to be its largest Thanksgiving giveaway yet.

Staff and volunteers provided over 250 turkeys to people in need at each of The Mercy House’s three locations in Jersey City, Newark and Elizabeth. Along with the poultry, visitors received large bags filled with fresh produce, stuffing, cranberry sauce and everything else needed to prepare a holiday feast. Several raffle winners even took home major prizes like new blankets and a dinnerware set.

“This year’s giveaway was especially challenging because there were a lot of people in need, but seeing everyone go home with turkeys in their bags and smiles on their faces made the effort worthwhile,” said Cheryl A. Riley, director of The Mercy House. “Everyone deserves to have a delicious meal at Thanksgiving, no matter who you are or what resources you have. And as a Catholic organization with a mission to assist all in need, we’re here to help make that happen.”

This year’s giveaway was made possible by generous donors throughout North Jersey, including St. Helen Church in Westfield, St. Anne’s of the Heights Church in Jersey City, the Church of the Nativity in Midland Park, multiple Knights of Columbus chapters and the Hudson County Department of Health and Human Services.

Roselle Catholic High School, Seton Hall Preparatory School in West Orange, Paramus Catholic High School, Christ the Teacher Academy in Fort Lee, St. Peter School in Belleville, Fort Lee public schools and Immaculate Conception Seminary at Seton Hall University also provided poultry.

To assist with the onsite distribution, students from Kean University and St. Joseph Regional High School in Montvale volunteered their time in Jersey City and Newark.

Founded in 2018, The Mercy House provides nonperishable food, clothing, baby supplies, furniture and assistance with finding work and housing for anyone in need. Its three locations in Newark, Jersey City and Elizabeth serve roughly 300 people weekly. If you would like to volunteer or donate, contact Cheryl A. Riley at cheryl.riley@rcan.org. For more information, visit The Mercy House website.

To view more images of The Mercy House’s Thanksgiving Giveaway, click HERE.

Featured image: A student volunteer helps distribute turkeys at The Mercy House before the Thanksgiving holiday. (Photo by The Mercy House)