Dear Editor: It was “The Most Wonderful Time of the Year” and wonderful it was at our 12th annual Operation Christmas Smiles event on Dec. 16 at St. Mary, Mother of Jesus parish.
The week after, we conducted three other “Toys 4 Kids” events, one at the Marlboro Houses, the second at Women and Children Family Shelter in Sheepshead Bay, and the final event at our own facility on New Utrecht Ave. Well over 900 children were blessed for the Christmas holiday.
Reaching Out Community Services would like to thank you and all the amazing Tablet readers for generously sponsoring our event with a donation from the Bright Christmas campaign. You truly enabled events to be a Bright Christmas for hundreds of low-income children again this year.
We believe that no child should be without the joy and spirit of the holiday season. Each toy that was given to a child represented the true meaning of this time of the year, a time of happiness and cheer.
Thank you again for your effort to help our community members and for “Keeping Good Going.” You are God’s blessing to us and to those who are less fortunate.
THOMAS NEVE
Executive Director
Reaching Out Community Services
Dear Editor: Thank you so much for the generous Bright Christmas check to Visitation Church for the young people and families at Christmas.
There is plenty we can do with this money and I assure you it will be appreciated by all.
Thank you again and have a blessed Christmas and a happy and healthy New Year to you and all at The Tablet.
FATHER CLAUDIO ANTECINI
Pastor
Red Hook
Dear Editor: On behalf of everyone at Mercy Center, thank you for your recent donation from The Tablet’s Bright Christmas Campaign. Your support made it possible for our developmentally challenged men, women, and children to receive gifts which will help them reach their developmental milestones, was well as live up to their God-given potential with the support, respect, and love everyone deserves.
The Tablet’s generous gift has warmed the hearts of our men, women and children. Thank you so very much.
JANICE ARIS
Executive Director
Mercy Home
Dear Editor: On behalf of the all the women, children and families served by Hour Children, I want to thank you for the generous contribution from The Tablet’s Bright Christmas Campaign to support our programs for children impacted by incarceration.
As you know, Hour Children’s mission is to help incarcerated and formerly incarcerated women and their children successfully rejoin the community, reunify with their families, and build healthy, independent and secure lives.
With efforts grounded in two core beliefs – change takes time and love makes the difference – our practical, compassionate and comprehensive services help families realize lasting, positive change.
Your goodness made the celebration of Christmas joyful. Our party for 350 families was spectacular. May God bless you with peace in the New Year.
SISTER TESA FITZGERALD, C.S.J.
Executive Director, Hour Children
Long Island City
