Annual Appeal 2026
|
Dear Friends,
Thanks to you, what began as a need for food became a way forward for Jimmy and his mother, Monica. They first came to St. Joseph Social Service Center during a difficult season in their lives. Jimmy is a young man living with Parkinson’s disease and is not able to work. Monica was carrying so much as she cared for her son, and then faced her own illness. Monica began meeting with our mental health counselor. Jimmy began coming to Wellness Wednesdays, art workshops, music therapy, and other programs that brought connection, comfort, and encouragement into his life. Over time, St. Joseph’s became more than a place to receive groceries. It became a place where they were known, supported, and no longer alone. Monica has shared how grateful she is that St. Joseph’s has been able to help her family not only with food but also with support services that have made daily life less stressful. 
For 40 years, St. Joseph’s has been a place of hope and hospitality for Monica and Jimmy, and thousands of others.
We serve an average of 800 households each month in our choice food pantry, and more than 2,000 additional households through our other food programs. Last year alone, we distributed 791,183 pounds of food, including 290,935 pounds of fresh produce. But food is only the beginning. Hunger rarely comes alone, and neither does our help. One of the ways we are celebrating our 40th anniversary is with the Camino de St. Joseph. The event is modeled after the Camino de Santiago, the European pilgrimage traditionally undertaken for religious devotion and spiritual renewal. We are continually inspired by the number of people who share their love, compassion, time, talent, and treasure to make our mission possible and walk alongside individuals and families facing hardship and seeking connection. Your contributions build community. Please journey with us to celebrate 40 years of connecting communities and nourishing each other! Click here for more information about the Camino.
We will also be celebrating on Thursday, October 15, 2026, at our Annual Fundraising Raffle Dinner at the Westwood in Garwood, New Jersey. More information on this to follow – we hope you can join us. We are immensely grateful to all of you for supporting our work and our neighbors for the past 40 years. You keep the pantry shelves stocked, fresh produce available, and compassionate care within reach for families who need it most. You ensure that when someone comes to St. Joseph’s in search of help, they can find not only nourishment, but dignity, support, and hope. Will you please make a generous gift to St. Joseph Social Service Center today? We would greatly appreciate your support in any of the following ways:
Thank you for being part of the St. Joseph’s family and for walking alongside neighbors like Jimmy and Monica. Please join us on the Camino de St. Joseph. With gratitude, Bernadette Murphy Executive Director |
|
Need help with a donation? Please contact Mary Philips at 908.354.5456, ext. 401 or at [email protected]. Please Note: Due to credit card processing costs, the minimum online donation is $10. Make a Donation by Mail Send your check to: St. Joseph Social Service Center, 118 Division St., Elizabeth, NJ 07201 Donate Online • $2,500 funds the center for a day • $1,500 provides Mental Health Counseling • $750 supports an Adult Learning Center student • $365 provides 5 bags of groceries • $100 helps someone obtain life sustaining prescription medication Contributions of any amount are greatly appreciated! |