The donations for Bright Christmas are coming in. This week, I would like to tell from where and whom they are coming.
Many of the donors are old friends like Sam Repole, who tells me that he now lives in Our Lady of Guadalupe parish, Dyker Heights. If you ever lived in Park Slope, or Red Hook, you might remember him as Sam the Mailman.
“A Blessed Christmas to all at The Tablet,” writes Sam. He and his wife Rosemary sent their contribution in honor of their parents and Sam’s late brother Michael and his wife, Gerry.
He adds: “Also in memory of Father James S. Scott and Msgr. John Waldron, former pastor of Visitation parish.”
Winifred Latuis sent her gift to honor her parents, Joan and Charles, who passed away in 2012. Be assured that we will pray for them.
Carmen Kohler from Floral Park tells us that she is going for a test to determine if she has cancer. She asks that we pray for her. I already said a Hail Mary. How about you?
Sir Henry P. Voso sent his contribution in an envelope that not only was posted with a Mother Teresa postage stamp, but also emblazoned with stickers of St. Francis of Assisi and “One Nation Under God.” The return sticker contained an image of Pope Francis. But there’s more! Inside with his donation were three holy cards: St. Monica, St. Jude Thaddeus and Novena Prayers to St. Anthony.
Ann Flanagan wrote her note on St. Anthony stationery. It read: “I am enclosing my donation for a Bright Christmas to make people happy for the holidays.”
Another simple piece of paper read: “A donation for the needy at Christmas.” It was signed Rev. Joseph … sorry I could not decipher the last name but the envelope was postmarked New York, New York. So much appreciated, Father Joseph!
Lucy McGuirk of Brooklyn sent best wishes for a successful campaign.
Eileen Romaniello sent a lovely Thanksgiving Day card with her contribution.
Angela Scisutella and Helen Schleimer wanted to thank us for all our efforts to help those in need. Angela and Helen, we couldn’t do it without people like yourselves. We are humbled to help others, only because people like you make it possible.
Dolores Marten said: “Kindly use the enclosed check as you need it. What a wonderful sentiment. No strings attached.
Donors to Bright Christmas can be assured that the money goes to good use. In the past few weeks, I’ve been explaining some of the good uses it goes to. Our primary focus is children and families who might hot otherwise receive a Christmas gift this year. We give cash donations to priests, sisters and diocesan agency leaders with the proviso that they use it to brighten someone’s Christmas this year.
You might have noticed that I have not attached amounts to any of the donations mentioned. That’s because, every dollar helps. Whether you can afford $2 or $3 or $50, you are making something beautiful happen.
To join our readers with a donation, simply send your check made out to The Tablet’s Bright Chrstmas, and send it to us at 1712 Tenth Ave., Brooklyn, NY, 11215.
