Agency offers aid, hope to needy

During this time of uncertainty, shut down and job loss, “The Catholic Spirit” took time to revisit the Catholic Charities food pantry that opened in Phillipsburg five years ago this month.

According to Brooke Renkens, Catholic Charities Service Area Director for Hunterdon and Warren Counties, the food pantry on South Main Street was anticipating an increase in numbers but that did not happen. “We tried to analyze why there hasn’t been a huge increase, and we think it is because most of our clientele receive NJ SNAP [Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program],” she said.

For the past two months, many clients received more help from the state, which in some cases is almost double what they would normally receive. New Jersey has also increased the amount of unemployment benefits, so some families have more money in their pockets.

The staff at the pantry, one of the many ministries supported by the Bishop’s Annual Appeal, made phone calls to clients who visit regularly for services but who have not appeared. Some people were afraid to come out and others did not realize that the pantry was open.

“We have been open Monday through Friday the entire time,” Renkens stated proudly. “There has been no break in service, and our hours have stayed the same.”

The procedure is the only thing that has changed at the pantry. People would normally come inside and meet with Sharon Giammarco, the office assistant, who would ask some intake questions. Now, they are met curbside. A staff member meets them at the door to inquire about the family. The size of the family determines the number of bags of food they will be given. Currently, all bags are pre-made and ready to be taken out to the clients

Unfortunately, the pantry has lost most of its volunteers. Many of them are retirees and are considered at high risk of the virus. There are normally 60 volunteers, but now the pantry is functioning with seven.

“We were lucky enough to get two staff people from our child care program to work with us for now,” said Mercy Sister Mary Michaelita Popovice, program director of the center. “The people who we have are very valuable because we wouldn’t be able to operate without them. They are a blessing to us.”

Catholic Charities child care staff were laid off when the schools closed. Two of these workers transitioned to serve at the food pantry. One of these workers, Tiffany Gellock, said, “Working here definitely helps me to realize how many needs there are to be met.” 

Jonas Horvath, a senior at Phillipsburg High School, was looking for a way to productively use his new found time and has volunteered every day.

“I was just sitting at home so I wanted to come to help. This is a good environment and nice people to work with. I like helping people,” he said. 

“I am grateful to be able to still be here and serve people in this nice facility,” Sister Michaelita said. “We have a mission to help people. That is what we are called to do and I feel blessed to be here. We had to change some plans but something good will come out of this.”   

People who are served at the center receive more than food; they are welcomed as part of a community that gives support and assistance. Giammarco, who is lovingly known as Momma Sharon, remained at her post every day without taking time off during the lockdown. When asked what keeps her coming back, she humbly said, “I am here because people need me.”

She knows everyone by name and knows about their family and their needs because they confide in her. “People who are struggling are looking for a helpful friendly face. It is easier to ask for help when you know someone cares.” Whatever they need, she tries to provide. “It was not in the job description for anybody to have to go through this pandemic, but if I had to do it again, I would do it the same way.”

There are so many who are appreciative of all they receive from the pantry. Cassandra and her family receive assistance each month. She has also received help with utilities and with finding employment at her current job. “We truly appreciate everything Catholic Charities has done for us,” she said. “It will not be forgotten. We are looking forward to getting through this with the help of God and people like you.”

Ben, another client, said, “I am very thankful that Catholic Charities delivered food to me. The agency makes my life better.”

Through the generosity of the Phillipsburg community, the pantry has received nearly $30,000 in monetary donations, about $6,000 in gift cards and close to 1,000 bags of food donated since the pandemic started. Donations are still being accepted for both the food pantry and the thrift store. A drop-off area is located in the back of the building where donations will be received during business hours. For help visitors are asked to ring the bell. Personal care items cannot be purchased with any money not specifically marked for that purpose. There is always a need for those products.

Volunteers are always welcome in both the food pantry and the thrift store, and help will be needed to get the store ready to open later this month. All profits from the store are used to buy food for the pantry.

“I am amazed at how well we were able to pivot and still meet the needs of the community. We didn’t close for an hour or even a minute,” Renkens boasted.  “It’s impressive at how our staff was able to just put their own fears aside to serve the mission of the church and meet everybody where they were at.”