Mother’s Day Giveaway Held For Moms In Newark, Jersey City, Elizabeth

NEWARK, NJ — The following news release comes courtesy of the Archdiocese of Newark. Find out how to post announcements or events to your local Patch site.

The Archdiocese of Newark’s Mercy House honored mothers in need by distributing approximately 350 gift bags filled with toiletries, perfume, hair accessories, sweets and other items during its annual Mother’s Day Giveaway on May 4 in Jersey City, May 5 in Newark and May 6 in Elizabeth.

Each mother received the same gifts, but the types of bags varied by location. In Elizabeth and Newark, many of the women took home colorful, hand-knit bags crafted by the Loops of Love ministry at St. Michael Parish in Cranford. In Jersey City and Newark, numerous visitors were provided with new purses.

In addition to the gift bags, every mother received a small bag of costume jewelry. Major prizes like a toaster, bedsheet set and gift baskets were also raffled off.

“The Mercy House provides mothers with essentials year-round, but for Mother’s Day, we want to make them feel special,” said Cheryl Riley, director of The Mercy House. “Because many of these mothers couldn’t typically afford to buy gifts for themselves, we hold this giveaway to reward them for their hard work and sacrifices they make for their children. Every mother deserves to feel loved and appreciated.”

The Mercy House will continue celebrating motherhood by holding baby showers for pregnant women on June 1 in Jersey City, June 2 in Newark and June 3 in Elizabeth. Its annual Father’s Day Giveaway honoring fathers in need will follow later that month.

Founded in 2018, The Mercy House provides nonperishable food, clothing, baby supplies, furniture and support finding employment and housing to anyone in need. Its three locations in Newark, Jersey City and Elizabeth serve over 500 people each week.

To learn how to volunteer or donate, contact cheryl.riley@rcan.org. For more information, visit www.rcan.org/mercy-house/

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