Monsignor James S. Conlan Council #5329 –January 2024 Updates
2023 Annual Jerry’s Jars Fundraiser – 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 over a decade ago after this was started and it is great that we can keep his ministry alive as he looks on from Heaven. Nominations came from many different resources and are done anonymously as in years past. Only a few Brother Knights that are vowed to secrecy know who we donated the money to and we never actually talk with the person who gets the donation so they do not even know where the money came from. It seemingly magically appears on their doorstep on a randomly decided morning. This donation is part of our Annual Works of Mercy for the Poor in Need During Christmas and is yet another way our Council helps the local Catholic community through charitable giving, as well as, volunteer work. Over the years we have given away hundreds of dollars (and really probably over a thousand dollars– we don’t really keep count) to people in need through this program.
This year we added in money from our Christmas Signs Fundraiser on top of the generous donations made by our Brother Knights in the Council bringing our total amount collected to $800. That money was given to a family/person in need within our local community that we so proudly serve. We are sure it was a well needed amount of money and hopefully helped ease the burdens they faced this Christmas season. Though we may not be able to divulge who received the funds we do ask you keep them in your prayer intentions as they continue to navigate their financial challenges and other burdens.
Tunnel to Towers Foundation – Our Council also made a $200.00 donation to Tunnel to Towers Foundation. This organization is highly reputable and we’re sure many of you have heard of it. This organization helps out emergency responders and veterans impacted by the events of September 11th, as well as, continues to support those citizens impacted by those same events for everything from emergency housing to healthcare. Most recently they have begun working on the issue of homeless veterans and helping those brave former soldiers who proudly served us, but now need help with the the challenges in their lives. Many of our members are former emergency responders and military including both active and retired. We have many who in our Council that were both directly and indirectly impacted by September 11th, as well as, the challenging reality of serving others in positions that require sacrifice in the face of true danger. Needless to say these issues hit home with so many in our Council and we are proud to support charities like this that help those who so bravely helped us when we needed them. Please keep our active and retired veterans and first responders in your prayers, as well as, the many families impacted by September 11th whether they be survivors, victims, or the deceased along with their families who have so bravely navigate the impact of that horrible day within everything they do everyday. We must never forget these people and the so many impacted. Please pray for them.
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