By Katie Beckmann Mahon, Communications Manager
As we enter the Christmas season, it is essential to keep in mind those who are less fortunate and struggling due to the pandemic's devastating economic fallout.
One of the most heartbreaking aspects of COVID-19 has been the rising number of people now at risk for hunger.
In Orange County, New York, over 450,000 people are at risk of going hungry each month. Those at risk include children, seniors living on fixed incomes, people with disabilities, the homeless, and the unemployed.
These troubling statistics led Sisters Ellenrita Purcaro, Didi Madden, and other Sisters of Saint Dominic of Blauvelt, and friends of Harmony Farm, a ministry site of the Sisters, to step up and support the Goshen Food Pantry, also known as the Goshen Ecumenical Pantry.
Sr. Didi, who ministers at Harmony Farm, commented, “It is incredible that we were able to put the richness and abundance of our Goshen land in service to those who hunger and experience the terrible insecurity that comes with not being able to feed their family.”
Sr. Ellenrita, a member of the Leadership Team and an active member of the Goshen community, saw firsthand how impactful the sisters’ donations were.
“I was overwhelmed with the line of cars circling the block (towards the pantry.) So many families are desperate for food as the economy and pandemic are impacting them,” shared Sr. Ellenrita.
Sr. Ellenrita expressed her gratitude for the sisters and noted how she will be accepting donations for the remainder of December.
“Thank you for your generosity. We will be providing the pantry with food again for their December 12th and 19th distributions. All donations, no matter how small, will be appreciated.”