Through the support of many in our Parish and Community, as well as, from the generous donation of volunteer time by our Brother Knights in our Council; the Knights of Columbus Monsignor James S. Conlan Council #5329 was able to accomplish much during Advent this year and help those in need for Christmas:
Jerry’s Jars – Each year our Council collects spare change throughout the year and in December collects it into a single jar. “Jerry’s Jars” is named after our past Financial Secretary Jerry Wieczorek who instituted the practice of our members saving change all year to add together at Christmas time so we can give it to a family in need. It is in the spirit of the best selling book, “Christmas Jars” by Jason Wright. Sadly, Jerry passed away only a couple of years after this was started and it is great that we can keep his ministry alive. This year we found a family (anonymously as we do not know the name) that is raising their grandchildren and has now come upon even tougher times worsened by the grandfather being diagnosed with cancer. The family would not have had any Christmas to speak of were it not for this year’s jar. Through channels we were able to give them what was estimated at around $700. Thank you to all the Brother Knights who donated!
Christmas Meals For Needy Families – Each year our Council buys everything needed for a complete Christmas dinner and gives those dinners to families in need within our Parish area. Our Council last week distributed thirty meals including hams to needy families in our Community through the four schools in the Pine Bush Central School District area. We thank the Nursing Staff at Pine Bush Elementary, EJR Elementary, Crispell Middle School and Pine Bush High School for their assistance. We also thank Hannaford Supermarket in Pine Bush, New York for their assistance. Finally, thank you to all who bought Super Bowl raffles chances and helped to support this great cause!
Space Heaters for the Needy – Thanks to a generous gift card donation from American Shoring Inc. of Newburgh, NY our Council was able purchase six portable heaters that are being distributed to elderly and other needy parishioners. As of yesterday afternoon two heaters were still available and four had already gone to needy homes. If you know a family or individual in need of a space heater to keep warm during these cold winter months please contact us.
Super Bowl Raffle – We are down to the final twenty available raffle chances in our Annual Super Bowl Pool. There are eight chances to win a cash prize– one for each quarter score and one for each quarter reverse score. If you are interested in buying a $50 raffle chance contact us and we will reach out to you get you box assignment details. All money proceeds raised will be used to defer the costs of our Annual Christmas Meals program. Time is running out to get in this raffle for a great cause! You can find out more about the raffle here.
The works of charity above is in addition to various other charitable endeavors of not only our funds, but our time during this past year. We pray to our Lord that we can maintain and even increase our efforts during 2019.
Thank you for your support and during this season of hope that is only possible through the glorious birth of our Lord Jesus Christ, May God Bless you and your families, Our Church worldwide, Our Priests and other religious, our Council and our parishes and parishioners, as well as our Country, Military and Veterans, our Police, Firefighters, EMS and other first responders.
Merry Christmas!
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