Catholic Daughters Create Easter Baskets For Those in Need

The members of the Catholic Daughters of St. Joseph Church in Sea Isle City are not ones to sit on their hands.

In fact, they don’t sit around much at all, especially when there is good work to do.

In addition to hosting events each year that support their charitable efforts such as Christmas bake sales, community luncheons, and monthly food drives, the Catholic Daughters feel that the Easter season is also the perfect time to spread Christian kindness.

“This is the third year we made Easter baskets,” organizer Bette Keller said in a news release. “In the past, we received thank you notes from almost half of the people who received the baskets or from their families or caregivers. They appreciated knowing that the community loves them – and that’s why we do this.”

During the annual Easter Basket Drive, which culminated on April 1, the Catholic Daughters collected a bevy of items from their fellow parishioners. The goodies included chocolate bunnies and other Easter sweets, sugarless candy, toys, coloring books, snack bars, note pads, crossword puzzle books, and many other items that helped them create nearly 90 gift baskets.

After being stuffed with the donated items, each basket was wrapped in cellophane and adorned with a colorful bow before being carried away for delivery.

Fifty Easter baskets were delivered to the Branches Outreach Center in Rio Grande. The branches is an organization that provides a safe environment for the elderly, disabled, those experiencing homelessness, and others in need.

Twenty baskets went to Covenant House in Atlantic City, an organization that provides shelter and assistance to youths who are experiencing homelessness or are the victims of human trafficking; and 19 baskets were delivered to local homebound residents along with fresh palm fronds to help them celebrate Palm Sunday, according to the news release.

“This brings everybody joy – on both sides,” Keller said. “We are joyful when we make the baskets, and the baskets bring joy to those who receive them.”

For more information about the Catholic Daughters of Saint Joseph Church, visit https://www.stjosephsic.org/ or phone the Parish Office at 609-263-8696.