Archdiocese of Newark’s Mercy House to distribute 600 free winter coats
Annual coat giveaway will serve three North Jersey locations
As temperatures drop, the Archdiocese of Newark’s Mercy House will hold its annual Winter Coat Giveaway later this month to help those in need prepare for the cold season.
This year’s giveaway will take place on Oct. 22 in Newark, Oct. 28 in Jersey City, and Oct. 30 in Elizabeth, with all giveaways starting at 11 a.m. Each Mercy House location will distribute approximately 200 new and gently used waterproof coats, along with hats, gloves, scarves, blankets, and other winter essentials for men, women, and children of all ages.
“This is one of our most crucial events because we have people come into The Mercy House with literally no winter clothing,” said Cheryl A. Riley, director of The Mercy House. “We see children without coats and babies without snowsuits, and it’s heartbreaking because we know how cold it can be in New Jersey. Nobody deserves to suffer from the harsh weather, so we’re providing everyone with the means to keep warm.”
Thanks to the generosity of donors, this year’s Winter Coat Giveaway will be the largest one since The Mercy House began hosting the event in 2018. Contributors include many archdiocesan parishes, Catholic schools, and individuals in addition to multiple organizations. Among them are the Knights of Columbus Council #4066, which provided about 200 coats. Secaucus’ Meadowlands Plaza Hotel also donated hundreds of blankets that were handed out at the start of fall, ensuring families stayed warm as the weather turned colder.
But the Winter Coat Giveaway will not be the only chance for people in need to collect cold weather supplies. Throughout the coming months, The Mercy House will continue offering coats, hats, and other necessities to anyone who visits during its regular operating hours, which are listed on the ministry’s webpage.
“As Jesus told his disciples to feed the hungry and clothe the naked, The Mercy House provides food, clothes, and other essentials to those who are most in need,” Riley said. “We’re the Catholic mission in action and a saving grace for many people.”
There are many opportunities for those who wish to support The Mercy House. The center will hold its annual Thanksgiving Turkey Giveaway on Nov. 19 in Newark, Nov. 20 in Elizabeth, and Nov. 21 in Jersey City. Its Christmas Gift Giveaway will follow in December. Additionally, food donations are always needed, especially as an increase in new clients over the past year has depleted the center’s shelves.
Launched as a ministry of the Archdiocese’s Respect Life Office, The Mercy House provides nonperishable food, clothing, baby supplies, furniture, and help to find 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 www.rcan.org/mercy-house/.
Featured image: The Archdiocese of Newark’s Mercy House will distribute about 600 coats — in addition to hats, gloves, and other cold weather essentials — during its annual Winter Coat Giveaway on October 22 in Newark, October 28 in Jersey City, and October 30 in Elizabeth starting at 11 a.m. (Photo by Archdiocese of Newark/Sean Quinn)
