The members of the Catholic Daughters, Court Our Lady of Mercy #1655, recently hosted their annual Easter Basket Drive and collected a bevy of chocolate bunnies and other seasonal candy.
They also collected toys, Easter grass, puzzle books and other items from their fellow parishioners at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Sea Isle City.
During the week of March 11, the Catholic Daughters (along with some help from the students of their parish’s Religious Education Program) stuffed nearly 100 Easter baskets with the donated gifts and wrapped them in cellophane and ribbons.
Some of the baskets were intended for children and young adults, while others contained items that were appropriate for older recipients.
Once the baskets were ready for delivery, 60 were brought to The Branches Outreach Center in Rio Grande, an organization that provides a safe environment for the elderly, disabled, those experiencing homelessness and others in need.
Also, 30 baskets went to Covenant House in Atlantic City, a refuge for young people who are experiencing homelessness or are the victims of human trafficking, and 18 baskets were delivered to local homebound parishioners.
“This is an outreach for folks who might not have someone to be there for them at Eastertime, and we hope this brings them joy,” said Catholic Daughter Bette Keller, who organizes the Easter Basket Drive.
“2024 is the fourth year we have hosted this event, which we started during COVID when many people were experiencing loneliness – and we want to keep it going into the future,” Keller added.
To learn more about the Catholic Daughters, Court Our Lady of Mercy #1655, call (609) 263-8696 or go to https://www.stjosephsic.org/
