Spirit of Giving Helps Those in Need in Phillipsburg

Catholic Charities, Diocese of Metuchen, in collaboration with the Church of St. Philip and St. James of Phillipsburg, has brought Thanksgiving cheer to the Phillipsburg community for the last 28 years. This year’s Thanksgiving project was organized by Food for the Needy of the Church of St. Philip and St. James.  Seventy volunteers were involved with the preparation and distribution of Thanksgiving baskets which included all the ingredients of a festive Thanksgiving dinner, along with items that will last families beyond Thanksgiving.

 Sister M. Michaelita Popovice, Catholic Charities’ Program Director and Lisa Hummell, Chairperson of The Church of St. Philip and St. James’ Food for the Needy Committee at Mercy Hall.  This year, 360 Thanksgiving baskets were assembled and distributed to those in need in the Phillipsburg Community.


Donations consisted of perishable and non-perishable food, monetary gifts and store certificates.  ShopRite of Greenwich donated 325 gallons of milk and Boy Scout Troop 50 of the Church of St. Philip and St. James spent November 24 ^th at ShopRite of Greenwich collecting groceries to fill the baskets.  Customers generously gave money for the Catholic Charities Food Pantry to purchase needed items.  Contributions came from families, individuals, churches, schools, businesses and organizations in Warren and Hunterdon counties. 
 
Overall, 360 Thanksgiving baskets were distributed, encompassing 987 individuals in need from the Catholic Charities Social Service Center.  “We’re not done yet,” said Catholic Charities Program Director Sister Michaelita Popovice.  “On December 14 ^th, 200 families from the Social Service Center will receive food distributed by the Knights of Columbus Council #474 to prepare Christmas Dinner, and 300 children will receive Christmas gifts donated by individuals and churches from Warren and Hunterdon counties. It is projects like these that help make life just a little easier for people struggling, especially during the Thanksgiving and Christmas Seasons.”  
 
The Catholic Charities’ Food Pantry is the largest in Warren County, NJ serving more than 1000 households and providing a safety net to individuals and families with limited resources.  The Thrift Store provides discounted items to those in need and generates funds to help operate the Warren Basic Material Needs Program.  Last year, Catholic Charities responded to more than 11,000 requests for food and clothing in Warren County.
 
Catholic Charities graciously accepts donations and gift cards onsite during regular store hours at the Food Pantry and Thrift Store co-located at the Social Service Center at 387 South Main Street in Phillipsburg, NJ.  Donations can include non-perishable food items, gently used clothing, shoes, accessories, household furnishings, small appliances, jewelry, books, and collectibles.  To make an online donation to Catholic Charities, please visit www.ccdom.org/donatenow.