Spreading God’s Love!

As Christians it is our responsibility to help those in need. We hear this in Galatians 6:2 “Carry each other’s burdens and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.” This is a time when we need each other more than ever, but how do we carry each other’s burdens and help others when we are called to “social distance” and “quarantine”?  Some of our local neighbors have found ways to do just this and they need our help!

FLAG (Front-Line Appreciation Group) 

Check out the website at:  https://www.flag2020.org

Wanting to make a difference and show appreciation for all those essential workers who are still on the front lines, one of our parishioners, Liz Bernich, teamed up with Gina McGuire of Madison to establish the FLAG group here in our community – a group that’s dedicated to helping feed our front line health care workers during the coronavirus pandemic, while also keeping our local restaurants in business.  Since its inception, FLAG has made a tremendous difference. As of April 1st, the group had raised $82,100, distributed 2,400 meals and paid $16,200 to local restaurants supplying the meals. With the success of FLAG and everyone wanting to lend a hand, other towns have also started their own chapters of FLAG to help workers in their areas.

Check out their interview on Channel 12 News:  https://www.facebook.com/PrashanthiMusapet/videos/307083980272267/?t=13

Hebrews 13:16 “We will show mercy to the poor and not miss an opportunity to do acts of kindness for others, for these are the true sacrifices that delight God’s heart.”

Save A Life, Make a Mask

JoAnn Ferraro Gregoli, owner of her own company “Elegant Occasions” is usually busy helping others with wedding and party planning.  However, once COVID-19 hit and 2 of JoAnn’s 6 children (1 working as a Physician’s Assistant in an ER in Long Island and one as a police Detective) contacted JoAnn worried that they could not get access to hospital masks, JoAnn realized that her gifts could be used to fulfill another need.  After making masks for her own children she reached out to her local Sparta MOMS, Passaic Moms Group and Madison/Chatham moms Group and formed a #savealifemakeamask initiative.  That one group has now grown to 10 local groups. In one week 2,500 masks were distributed to local healthcare facilities. They have also recently added surgical caps. JoAnn started something that has taken off in a terrific way.  Funds for this project, sewing help, and material donations are all needed! .
A go fund me page for donations to cover mask materials has been set up at gf.meu/xr6hd9
If you would like to volunteer to sew, please DM Christine Stanley Preston.  Complete kits are ready for pick up and drop off at 54 Samson Avenue in Madison.  Each kit contains pre-cut fabric, elastic and instructions to make 10 masks.

FRONT LINE ANGELS!

Another 370 hand-sewn masks went out to our local hospitals this morning. Since then, another 100 masks have been dropped off at my house, making our grand tally 947! Just incredible.

Fuel Boxes

A local mother and daughter team began making Fuel Boxes full of snack items decorated with sayings such as “Thank You” and “You Are Amazing” as well as hearts, stars and rainbows.  They will be delivered to grocery store workers, pharmacy employees, mechanics, and anyone still out there working to keep us afloat. If you are interested in creating Fuel Boxes, please message Gina Petruzziello Mcguire on Facebook to coordinate.