Reaching-Out to Say Thank You
Dear Editor: “The Most Wonderful Time of the Year” is a song I enjoy and I’m sure so many others do too. This song reminds me of people and programs I know that show their love for others by providing toys for less fortunate children.
On behalf of Reaching-Out Community Services, I would like to thank you and all amazing Tablet readers for generously sponsoring our 16th Annual Operation Christmas Smiles event once again with a donation raised from the Bright Christmas campaign.
Your support has been a lifeline to us. You truly impacted the success of this event.
The event was a wonderful time of the year for over 600 children and was possible because of supporters like you that make it happen.
Thank you so much for your wonderful support, joining efforts to help our community members, and for “keeping good going.” It’s great to say that the event was a wonderful success this holiday season.
Thomas Neve
Executive Director
A Most Generous Donation
Dear Editor: May God reward you for your generosity!
On behalf of the men, women, and children who are served by St. Francis Food Pantries and Shelters, we want to thank The Tablet and its Bright Christmas Fund for the generous donation.
This donation will keep the grocery bags full, the soup kitchens open, the beds in our shelters accessible, and clothing and supportive services available to thousands of needy New Yorkers. Your kindness and generosity are a testament to your commitment to helping serve the less fortunate.
Father Francis J. Gasparik, O.F.M. Cap.
President/Co-Founder St. Francis Food Pantries and Shelters
Making a Difference
Dear Editor: Charles Schultz said, “Christmas is doing a little something extra for someone” — well, Make a Difference Christmas is truly blessed that we have friends like The Tablet, and others who follow your lead, in doing a lot for so many.
When we asked, you gave — in fact, you shared more than we could imagine, and we were able to serve so many this past Christmas. It is inspirational and warms the heart.
We thank you, and all at DeSales Media and Bright Christmas, for your extraordinary donation to the Make a Difference Christmas effort. Although the pandemic is not yet behind us, we continue to make these challenging times better, brighter and merrier for many.
Your advocacy, support, and friendship are true gifts — we cherish them.
Blessed and grateful to have you make a difference with us and those we serve.
Thomas Flood
Floral Park
Bright Christmas Shines
Dear Editor: I express my gratitude on behalf of the parish of St. Vincent de Paul Society, which provides food vouchers and assistance to the needy of our parish, most especially during the holiday season.
Once again, my gratitude and God’s blessing for your ministry and work.
Father Anthony J. Sansone
Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal Church
Eulogy of Det. Rivera
Dear Editor: Writing as the significant other of an NYPD police officer, I thank The Tablet for printing the eulogy of Detective Rivera by his widow, Dominique (“I Promise, We Promise That Your Death Won’t Be in Vain,” Feb. 5).
She shared the most intimate details of her marriage and the guilt of her actions that fateful morning. I too knew the stresses of “the job” in everyday life. No guilt Dominique. We thank you for giving us Jason, and we share in your grief!
Helen Peterman
Whitestone
Funerals for the Officers
Dear Editor: I watched highlights of the funeral Masses for Wilbert Mora and Jason Rivera who were killed while on duty. I have to say that, other than the family members, Patrick Lynch, president of the Police Benevolent Association, gave two of the most stirring and touching eulogies I have ever heard.
He called Officer Rivera a hero “not because of what he did. He’s a hero for who he was.” When he spoke at Officer Mora’s funeral Mass, he mentioned how his family’s decision to donate his organs would be the strength officers would need to do their jobs with courage.
These were very powerful words.
Richard Barry
Bayside