NEWARK, NJ – Nearly 800 families received full Thanksgiving meals this week from the Archdiocese of Newark’s Mercy House as the organization responded to an unprecedented surge in demand.
The three-day turkey giveaway, held November 24–26, marked the largest holiday distribution in the organization’s history.
Families lined up at Mercy House locations in Newark, Jersey City, and Elizabeth, where staff and volunteers handed out more than 250 turkeys at each site.
Alongside the poultry, visitors received bags of produce, stuffing, cranberry sauce, and other essentials to prepare full Thanksgiving dinners.
Record demand met by outpouring of donations
Organizers said the need this year was the highest they have ever seen, driven by high food costs and ongoing unemployment.
“This year’s giveaway was especially challenging because there were a lot of people in need, but seeing everyone go home with turkeys in their bags and smiles on their faces made the effort worthwhile,” said Cheryl A. Riley, director of The Mercy House.
Several families also received raffle prizes including new blankets and dinnerware sets.
North Jersey churches, schools, and students contribute
The success of the event was made possible by donations from area parishes and organizations including St. Helen Church in Westfield, St. Anne’s of the Heights in Jersey City, the Church of the Nativity in Midland Park, and several Knights of Columbus chapters.
High schools and colleges including Roselle Catholic, Seton Hall Preparatory, Paramus Catholic, Christ the Teacher Academy, St. Peter School in Belleville, Fort Lee public schools, and Immaculate Conception Seminary at Seton Hall University contributed poultry, while students from Kean University and St. Joseph Regional High School volunteered at the sites.
Mercy House continues year-round mission
Founded in 2018, The Mercy House operates as a Catholic resource and referral center providing food, clothing, baby supplies, furniture, and housing assistance to approximately 300 people weekly across its three locations.
Those wishing to volunteer or donate can contact director Cheryl Riley at cheryl.riley@rcan.org or visit www.rcan.org/mercy-house.