From the Archdiocese of Newark:
NEWARK, N.J. – The Mercy House, a ministry of the Archdiocese of Newark, distributed more than 600 new and gently used coats to individuals and families in need during its annual Winter Coat Giveaway, held on Oct. 26 in Jersey City, Oct. 27 in Newark and Oct. 28 in Elizabeth.
Attendees selected one adult coat and up to two children’s coats. They also received hats, gloves, scarves and other winter clothing. Families took home Halloween candy and children’s costumes to celebrate the upcoming holiday, as well.
“This giveaway is essential because, each year, we meet people who need winter clothing, including many who don’t own a coat,” said Cheryl A. Riley, director of The Mercy House. “Our goal is to help families stay warm throughout the winter. Anyone still in need of assistance is welcome to visit us. We’re always here to help.”
Archdiocesan parishes and schools, staff at the Archdiocesan Pastoral Center, Jersey Cares and individual donors contributed coats and other items.
Students from Seton Hall University in South Orange, Mount St. Dominic Academy in Caldwell and Roselle Catholic High School in Roselle volunteered to help community members select coats at the giveaway. Other volunteers from the Felician Sisters in Lodi, St. John the Apostle School in Clark and Oak Knoll School of the Holy Child in Summit helped sort and organize donations before the event.
Founded in 2018, The Mercy House provides nonperishable food, clothing, baby supplies, furniture and support in finding employment and housing to anyone in need each week. Its next special event is the annual Thanksgiving Turkey Giveaway, held on Nov. 17 in Newark, Nov. 18 in Elizabeth and Nov. 19 in Jersey City.
About the Archdiocese of Newark
The Archdiocese of Newark serves 1.3 million Catholics across northern New Jersey’s Bergen, Essex, Hudson and Union counties. Led by Cardinal Joseph W. Tobin, C.Ss.R., the sixth archbishop of Newark, the Archdiocese includes 211 parishes, 64 Catholic schools and numerous missions and ministries serving communities through faith, education and social service. For more information, visit its website.
