|
 Each year, through the generosity of the parishioners of St. Mary's Church, gifts are collected and distributed to families in need from elementary schools in Wappingers Falls, as well as several Catholic Charities Families in Poughkeepsie. In addition, monetary collections are used to purchase gifts for over 60 residents of the Elant Nursing Home (formerly Hudson Haven Nursing Home) in Wappingers Falls and for the Sisters of the Poor Clare Monastery.
As the 2011 Christmas Angel Program comes to a close, we are would like to share some results with you. Because of your continued generosity, we were able to help 76 families from local elementary schools and Catholic Charities plus 61 Elant Residents. The total amount of gifts donated this year totaled 723. For the Sisters of Poor Clare we gave them grocery gift cards, a Ham and a Pastry Tray.
We would like to thank all the parishioners and all those who helped make this program the success it was. In particular, we would like to thank CDA Court Queen of Peace #1534, Peggy Hurley, Mary Messina, The Pilon Family, Margie & Anthony Dalia, Sally & Mike Trabucco, Trish Costello, Claire Piccorelli, Noelle, Josephine & John Pennacchia, Richard & Elizabeth Smith, Noreen Sweeney, Kathi Vahila-DeLisa, the Monday evening Religious Ed classes, the Lunch Bunch from Wappinger’s Town Hall, St. Mary’s 6th, 7th, and 8th grade boys, Meaghan Quaid and Bill Duke.
We would also like to thank Mrs. LaRose for use of the school cafeteria, Monsignor Bellew, Father Dhas, Mary Ann and Mary in the Rectory for all their support and assistance.
We are truly blessed to be part of such a wonderful giving parish and would like to wish you and your families a very Blessed and Happy New Year!
Carol Quaid & Debbie Duke
|
|
 |
| Q: |
I selected an Angel and can't find the requested gift. What should I do?
|
|
| A: |
You may purchase a Gift Card to a store that sells the type of gift requested.
|
|
| Q: |
I bought a gift but lost the Angel. What should I do?
|
|
| A: |
You may wrap the Gift, and place a note on it stating what the gift is, and that the Angel was lost.
|
|
 THANK YOU NOTES FROM PAST YEARS |
|
|
The following are excerpts from the “Thank You notes” received on behalf of the families that benefited from the program:
|
|
“On behalf of Myers Corners School, we would like to take the opportunity to thank you for your continued generosity to our school. We truly appreciate your assistance in providing our needy families with a happy holiday season. Given the recent economic climate your participation this year was the utmost importance and enabled these families to provide gifts for their children that they otherwise would not have been able to provide.”
Sincerely, Jay Curtis, School Principal & Dawn Sala, School Psychologist
|
|
“On behalf of the residents, of Elant at Wappingers Falls, I would like to extend our gratitude for your wonderful holiday gifts. The residents thoroughly enjoyed opening them on Christmas morning, and were amazed that such beautiful gifts were for them. Thank you so much for your generosity and for bringing the Christmas spirit to our residents!”
Sincerely, Patricia Usifer, Activity Director
|
|
This was received 12/21/07 from a Nurse at one of the Elementary Schools:
“Thank you so much for providing a bountiful Christmas for so many of our less fortunate children at our school. I was very fortunate to witness first hand the gratitude of the parents receiving the many gifts for their children. Some were speechless, some cried, we were all humbled. I wish you all a Merry Christmas! You are truly Angels!!”
|
|
“We are truly grateful. I was overwhelmed when I received the gifts. I've been out of work for a while and have no assistance, so this was a wonderful surprise. We were blessed by the kindness and thoughtfulness of others.”
|
|
“I and my son wanted to thank you very much for making our Christmas a very happy one. We are both grateful for the gifts. We both spend time together playing the card games and I needed the gloves I received! The delicious food was enjoyed and the gift card was very nice. Your kindness shall always be remembered. Wishing you all a great New Year filled with joy.”
|
|
“I write this letter to send the same sincere desires to all those people that have been so good and generous with all of us. There was much happiness for all my children this Christmas. I want to give thanks for all that you have given to all of us this Christmas and to tell you thanks for all the pretty gifts. May God bless you today, tomorrow, and always. Feliz Navidad and Prospero Ano.”
|
|
