Easter Treats Distributed to Record Number of Families in Need by Archdiocese of Newark’s Resource Center

Mercy House staff and volunteers handed out the holiday-themed bags to approximately 250 individuals in Jersey City on March 25, 350 individuals in Newark on March 26, and 200 individuals in Elizabeth on March 27. Visitors, visibly appreciative, also received packages of small toys and plastic eggs filled with more sweets. Additionally, 16 raffle winners received bundles containing everything needed for an Easter meal, including ham, potatoes, and chocolate cake.

Beyond its three locations, The Mercy House sent another 200 gift bags to Emmanuel Church of Christ’s preschool and St. Patrick’s Pro-Cathedral in Newark.

“Jesus called us to help those in need, and that’s exactly what we’re doing at The Mercy House,” said Cheryl A. Riley, director of The Mercy House. “We’re making sure that children from families who can’t afford gifts can share the joy of what the Easter Bunny brought them, just like any other child. Every child deserves a happy Easter.”

The Easter giveaway was made possible through the generosity of St. Elizabeth University and nine archdiocesan parishes and Catholic schools, which contributed between 50 and 100 items each. Students from one of these schools, Mount St. Dominic Academy in Caldwell, also assisted at the Newark event. There they witnessed the significant need regularly addressed by The Mercy House, even selecting jackets for parents who required more than candy for their children this Easter.

The Mercy House provides nonperishable food, clothing, baby supplies, furniture, and help finding work and housing to anyone in need. If you would like to volunteer or make a donation — financial contributions are especially appreciated — contact Cheryl A. Riley at cheryl.riley@rcan.org. For more information, visit www.rcan.org/respect-life/mercy-house.

About the Archdiocese of Newark 

The Archdiocese of Newark serves 1.3 million Catholics throughout Bergen, Essex, Hudson, and Union counties. It includes 212 parishes, 73 Catholic schools, and many missions and ministries. Hundreds of Masses are celebrated in more than a dozen languages each week. Cardinal Joseph W. Tobin, C.Ss.R., the sixth archbishop of Newark, leads the Archdiocese with four auxiliary bishops. Together, they serve the northern New Jersey community through faith, education, and social services. For more information, visit www.rcan.org.