Rich and Carol Purcell (on each end), pictured with CRKS students and S. Mary, SSJ after filling four cars with CTK donations benefiting the SSJNC.
Since the launch of our partnership with the SSJNC, the involvement of our parishioners, ministries, and the school community has been nothing short of inspirational. The Center is deeply appreciative of the goodness and generosity of our parishioners. SSJNC Food Pantry Coordinator S. Mary, SSJ, expressed deep gratitude for our investment in their community. Last week, Blaze, our middle school ministry for girls, cooked and packaged more than 20 meals for the Neighbors. As a small group of CKRS eighth-graders filled S. Mary’s car with homemade frozen casseroles, she conveyed relief for the sizable donation. She explained that the deliveries from the food bank have not been as plentiful, noting that the 300 families served in February received just one bag of pantry food as opposed to the usual two. She added, ‘There are hardly any meat products for next week’s delivery, and these casseroles will help fill that void.’
Parishioners Carol and Rich Purcell were also on hand to assist in transporting the donations. When S.’s car could not fit any more donations, the students loaded their vehicles with products received from the Project Serve toilet tissue donation drive. The Purcell’s dedication to transporting weekly donations from CTK has been remarkable. The couple also serves in Camden on pantry days. Rich enjoys the physicality and the busyness of pantry days. “Moving boxes off the truck, organizing the food, and neatly lining up the filled banana boxes on the street alongside the Center is fun.” He continued, “It’s an all-hands-on-deck event, with multiple shifts available to meet the demanding schedules of the veteran and younger volunteers. Also, working alongside the school students reaffirms my faith and hope for the next generation.” He eagerly added that he is blessed to share his service with his children and grandchildren. He emphasized that setting a good example through action is essential and, with a smile, he added, “showing them that Grandma and Grandpa are out in the community helping others, not just at home watching TV, brings us joy!”
Food pantry wish list flyers located on the SSJNC bulletin board in the vestibule. For more information contact Cheryl Judge.