St. Pat's just completed its 31st year of Christmas in  a Box. the outreach program, that includes participation by over 295 parishioner families, is one of the largest annual initiatives undertaken by the parish.

On Sunday, December 3, volunteers prepared boxes to be delivered to 100 senior citizens, 100 children, and 111 famiies ranging in size from 2 to 7 individuals per family. In total, over 600 individuals in the local and regional area will experience the spirit of Christmas when the boxes are delivered. Each delivery includes holiday food and a "box" with multiple items purchased by parishoiners that fulfills the recipient's "Christmas gift wish list". 

Barb Capucci, who led the program this year says, "The wish lists vary in needs from toys, clothing, coats, shoes, and gift cards. The families at St. Patricks have been so generous to ensure that a recipient does not just receive one gift, but they receive the gifts that they truly need and will appreciate". Barb is in her second year of running the program, and attributes it's long success to those at St. Patrick's, past and present, that have made this initiative grow in size and enthusiasm. She thanked the many volunteers within the St. Patrick Parish, St. Patrick School, and Boy Scout Troop 8; as well as the parish partner's Father English Center and Our Lady of Victories, both in Paterson, NJ.

St. Patrick parishioners and school families are assigned people in need in October. On Sunday's delivery day, parishioners arrived at the St. Patrick Parish Center with their packages, and were greeted by over 70 volunteers who were present to inventory and prepare the shipping. Father Robert Mitchell, the church pastor, was on site to witness the efforts. "This initiative embodies what St. Patrick Parish is all about: people coming together to give their time and resources to ensure those less fortunate experience the true spirit of Christmas. It's not about the gifts, but the true meaning of what Christmas is" said Father Bob.