“God is good, all the time!” Caring for the Community this Christmas

Sr. Marie Josee Seide, DW and volunteers Julie, Cathy, Andy of St. Martin of Tours Parish Outreach.

The plans for distributing holiday food baskets began early this year at St. Martin of Tours, RCC, Parish Outreach (Amityville, NY), where Sr. Marie Josee Seide, DW, serves as Social Ministry Director. And after three months of work was done and everything was delivered, she said, “God is good, all the time!” 

The parish began collecting requests for holiday food baskets in September when the effort to provide food baskets for community members for both Thanksgiving and Christmas started.

One hundred forty-three baskets were distributed at Thanksgiving, and over one hundred and thirty baskets were assembled and distributed on December 12th for Christmas. Baskets were available early this year to allow time for recipients to do additional shopping with their gift cards.

Because of COVID-19, the Church held a safe drive-through distribution in the parking lot where volunteers monitored the traffic flow and retrieval of a gift bag and a pre-ordered food basket. Baskets were brimming with all the ingredients for a hearty holiday meal, including turkey, chicken or ham, white or sweet potatoes, corn, peas, green beans, yam, mixed fruit, apple sauce, pumpkin, dinner rolls, juice, and even napkins!

Baskets were also delivered to those with disabilities, without transportation, or homebound. Gift cards were given to those who are homeless. And a very generous donor provided 60 hot meals, which were distributed to those who cannot cook. 

Thanks to Sr. Marie Josee, the staff, volunteers, and community of St. Martin of Tours for helping to brighten spirits, feed the hungry, and care for those in need this Christmas!