The Mercy House of the Respect Life Office has distributed nearly 200 Thanksgiving turkeys. The office operates under the jurisdiction of the Archdiocese of Newark.
Newark families in need were the beneficiaries of the referral and resource center's initiative. The Thanksgiving giveaway took place on Tuesday, Nov. 23, in the Clinton Hill section of Newark.
Center Helps Individuals, Families
The initiative is an annual event of The Mercy House, according to Jersey Catholic. This year's Thanksgiving giveaway marked the center's fourth year of assisting those in need.
The Catholic news outlet reported that it has been the tradition of The Mercy House. It reportedly started in 2018.
Jersey Catholic has interviewed Cheryl Riley, the director of the Respect Life Office. Riley shared that many families could benefit from the assistance.
She added that these families need help, especially in the time of the COVID-19 pandemic.
According to the director, it is essential to assist these families to ensure a holiday.
"Everything we do here at The Mercy House is to live out the Gospel," Riley further stressed.
She added, "We try to see the face of Christ in everybody and try to help anyone in need."
Faithful Unites For Thanksgiving Initiative
Based on the report, parishes in the Archdiocese of Newark supported the giveaway event. Aside from that, Archdiocesan Catholic schools also donated most of the goods and items.
Meanwhile, financial contributions from donors were used to buy some of the supplies.
As per the report, a donor named Michael McCarty also helped the Thanksgiving giveaway event. He gave 100 turkeys to honor the memories of his friend, Jackie M.
McCarty has been a longtime supporter of the resource and referral center, the report noted.
Apart from free turkeys, The Mercy House also distributed a bag of supplies through the initiative. The supply bag consists of rolls, stuffing, and string beans.
The Mercy House welcomed the less fortunate who wanted to grab their free turkeys and goods.
Respect Life Office's The Mercy House
Jersey Catholic said that The Mercy House is available for the public every Tuesday and Friday. It reportedly offers baby supplies, food, clothing, and furniture to those who seek assistance.
The Mercy House also helps individuals in seeking employment and housing for their families.
Furthermore, the Archdiocese's website added that the center also provides "welcoming space." It also provides help by giving emotional support and healing to those in need.
The Mercy House also ensures that there will be a "comfortable, faith-filled environment.
About the Archdiocese of Newark
According to its website, the Archdiocese of Newark consists of Roman Catholic Christians. The website wrote that the Catholic congregation is located at 171 Clifton Avenue in Newark.
The Archdiocese also serves Catholics who recognize the ministry and life of Jesus Christ. Additionally, it also caters to the needs of the faithful through listening, loving, and serving them.
The Archdiocese reportedly strives to proclaim and evangelize the Word of God to all people. It also aims to build religious communities.
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