November 26, 2024

On November 21, the members of the Ambassadors of Mercy Board and other volunteers packed 130 meal kits for Community Care and Friends First Families.  Following the event, the kits were delivered to help ensure that Mercy Home’s families could enjoy a special Thanksgiving celebration.  

“Thanksgiving is all about giving back and appreciating each other,” Rita McGovern, the director of affiliated constituencies, said. “The board really appreciates the opportunity to feel like they were helping in a meaningful way.” 

Mariano’s covered the costs of the meal kits, which included items such as a turkey, ham, potatoes, gravy, stuffing, cranberry sauce, green beans and other classic holiday foods. 

The Ambassadors of Mercy has focused its volunteer efforts on our Community Care program in the last few years, particularly around the Thanksgiving and Easter to help those in need.  

Mike Lall, an Ambassador Board member, donated the boxes, freezer bags, and also brought supplies to help with the packing process. 

“It’s such a rewarding thing to come out and pack all this wonderful food for people in need,” Lall said. “We’re so fortunate and lucky, I feel blessed to be here.” 

George Nolan, another Ambassador Board member, not only donated his own time, but also brought seven boys from The Frances Xavier Warde Catholic School, where his son attends. The boys have been earning service hours for their confirmations but Nolan said that wasn’t what brought them here.

“Even if their service hours were full, they’d still be here anyway,” Nolan said. “There were more people who wanted to volunteer than I could bring. FXW does a great job talking about the importance of service. And as you can see, they’re all ready to work.” 

Nolan has been volunteering with Mercy Home for 10 years and has attended Christmas Tree lightings, the Golf Classic, and other events when he could.

“I just think they have a really powerful mission,” Nolan said. “While I don’t get the interact with the youth, I know the difference that the home is making in the lives of youth. Any small way that I can be a part of supporting that mission makes me feel like I’m doing some good as well.”  

Mercy Home also purchased 45 gift cards for Community Care individuals and families who are housing unstable or live too far away for a meal kit delivery. In total, Mercy Home helped to ensure that 151 families had a special Thanksgiving meal this year.  

We are thankful to our dedicated board members who helped give our Community Care members a wonderful Thanksgiving. And of course, we are grateful for our Community Care coworkers who support the children and families in the Mercy Home family so faithfully!