Christmas Update

I don't have the exact numbers yet - but we have helped about 50 families this Christmas season.  We have been fortunate to garner the support of several new volunteers and we would like to "officially" welcome them to our organization. 

They are Lorrie and Tim from Lakehurst - they have been there for us for the past few years now - they run toy drives, make financial donations to our organization and Lorrie's Girl Scout Troop wraps presents for our families and much, much more. 

This year we met Mary from Forked River - she works at the FAA in Pomona and she and her sister Barbara, co-workers Laurie and Bernice - went above and beyond for our Christmas families.  When I went to pick up the gifts - it was a FULL pickup truck!!  My SUV was jam-packed - it's a good feeling.

Our silent volunteer met our "Toy Lady" - Kathi from Maple Shade while web-shopping for toys for our families.  Kathi donated some really nice toys to us AND got us a very large donation of games, toys and a brand new bike from one of her suppliers.  Just awesome!

I also want to extend thanks to my Cousin, Barbara -  her co-workers at J&J CPI and her neighbor Joann C.  for their generous support of our families as well.   This is just a list of the folks who said they wanted to be a  part of our organization and help others less fortunate thru their networks and resources.  Welcome you guys! Our sincere thanks for all that you've done and continue to do.

Request from Susan

I have a family in Toms River who has become the guardian of the toddler daughter of their sister's child.  The little girl's  Dad died from Prostate cancer and she never knew him.  Her Mom was killed in a car accident this past year.  The family is struggling to get by and struggling with the "system" for benefits for the little one.  The grandmother and her grown daughter were working staggered shifts in order to care for the little girl.  The daughter recently lost her job due to the economy - started with reducing hours - that whole thing.   We have managed to provide a very nice Christmas - materially, for them.  They have been waiting and waiting for help with food etc.  and considering how MANY are in need one can understand why it's taking so long - but don't try to tell that to a hungry child.

Is there anyone out there that would be so kind as to donate some Shop-Rite gift cards to this family?  If so, would you please email me at:  suzann@reysofhope.com - I will see to it that they get to these folks.

Thank you - Susan

This Just in From Pat - A Fire

Family with 3 little girls  lost everything this morning, including the Christmas gifts intended for them due to a fire.  At this time we are looking for a few Christmas items and clothes for the girls:

1 - size 4/5t  shoe size 10, 

2 - size 8/10  shoe size 3 or 4 and  

3 - size 7  shoe size  2 or 3

If you are able to help us help this family, please contact us at holyangels @ live.com.

This Just in from Peaches - More in Need for Xmas

Peaches Top 20 that are in Need this Christmas

Here are just  20  situations ( some family , some singles ~all in need) that could use a helping hand at Christmas.  Eveyone listed is struggling with affording basic needs...food, clothes and heat.  Christmas is a holiday out of reach for all of them. Anything you could do to help make even one of their holidays brighter would be appreciated. If you would like to donate a Christmas gift(s) specifically to one of our families, please provide us with the family's number/letter combination and which person listed and we will be sure to make that happen within days of receiving them from you ....thank you from all of us at Reys of Hope.
NOTE:  We believe children should have dolls of their own skin color which is the ONLY reason we are posting the race/skin color of our families. 

Sadly, there are many more such families - if you can help us in any way - with financial donations or toys/gifts - PLEASE contact us.
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Family #p1 Caucasian
the last few years for this couple and their 4 children have been difficult. As of now mom is having difficulty finding a new job after the most recent lay off. The food stamps they applied for months ago they were told its in a large pile of those waiting to be reviewed yet again. While they wait to be approved mom continues to lose weight she does not need to lose since feeding her children has to come first. Dads work income is simply not enough to meet all of the expenses of the recently rented house and everything else that it takes to raise 4 children under the age of 8.  .

Dad only wants to see his family smile on Christmas morning

Mom now wears 3-5 pants; s-m tops 8.5 shoe
Son age 7 wears size 8 enjoys building toys, cool looking cars, puzzle books, handheld games,  race car or train set would be a hit, board game he can play with his younger sister.
Daughter age 6 wears 10-12 likes dolls and being a girl. In a size 1 shoe now.
TWO younger boys’ one wears size 3 the other size 5, sometimes 6 they both love cars and trucks and making noise.

They also have one much loved pet dog…who could always use some food and who has never turned down a treat.

They would like to be able to see their children have a few gifts to open and a meal to fill their stomachs on Christmas day.

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FAMILY  #p2

Single 28 year old woman with no children escaped severe abuse in the last few months. She left with only the summer clothes on her back~ needs new socks, size 7 underwear, and 36 c non padded bras. Something beyond clothing to make her feel special and more then just alone in hiding would be nice. Perhaps some personal hygiene products, some scented soap, make up or perfume.  She is currently living in a single room. Also COLLECTING new and gently used clothing for her .  She wears a size 9/10 pants (needs Khakis as she just got hired at Shop rite part time :), large shirt, needs a winter coat in size large.  Shoe size 8.5

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FAMILY #p3 Caucasian Doll
struggling part time restaurant hostess is now a newly singled mom.
age 21  wears a size S or XS shirt pants size 0-3 shoes 7
1 and a half year old little girl wears 24m/2t loves to play
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FAMILY  #p4
Struggling couple…Dad lost his job a year ago and has not been able to find fulltime permanent work since. He takes what he can get though often its not enough to make a dent. Mom has been struggling with continued health issues since giving birth to her youngest son which has caused her to be hospitalized more then once in the past 6 months. Household consists of 4 boys under the age of 8.

Mom: 25  l-xl shirts~ pants she has no idea maybe a 12/14…a large for sure
Dad:26 shirts XL~ pants  36 x 34 sometimes 38x34 size 15 shoe
Son:  7  size 8 shirts/pants ~likes super-hero’s~ puzzles~ arts and crafts~dragons
Son 4   5t shirts/ pants~ likes dragons and dinosaurs ~animals ~books ~ music
Son:3   3/4t shirts/ pants...loves elmo ~dancing/music ~against his parents wishes he loves anything that makes noise ~cars and balls ~loves to color/paint

Son 8month old clothes size 12-18 months age appropriate toys
Animals: 2 cats...medium sized ~ just like the young boys in the house they are always in search of something to eat.
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 FAMILY #p5 Bi-racial toddler (black/white), Caucasian Child

Single disabled mom of a toddler who is unable to work is also currently caring for her niece.  She has gotten in habit of wearing baggy clothes only. Size 20-24 elastic waist or x l sweat pants.  Wears shirts between 1-4x. She has found after many medical tests and medical issues that she finds comfort in them being loose.

9 year old girl wears 14 sometimes even 14/16 has few toys

1 year old little girl wears size 2t sometimes 3t…

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FAMILY #p6 Hispanic/Latina Dolls

Recently re-united couple working hard to try and make a better life for their blended family.  They just found a 2 bedroom apartment (we are working on finding clean beds in good shape so they have something to sleep on). Mom of the household was recently hired to work at non-tipping banquets when work is available (after the holidays they are not sure how often that will be). Dad is working as a low wage earning cook at a local restaurant.

Mom wears 1x-2x shirts size 18 pants size 9 shoe

Dad is a L shirt 33 or 34 x32 pants

Son 17 M/ L shirts jeans 32 X 32

Daughter 16 needs 34 b bras shoe size 5.5 to 6 wears 1-3 pants medium tops

Son 12 jeans 18 husky or 30 or  32 x 30 , mens shirt size L or boys 20 He is at a difficult age to buy for….though he does loves Magic and hopes one day to be a magician. He also enjoys the handheld games that his friends have.  He likes other games as well as wrestling and football.  His favorite color is blue.

Daughter preteen is currently living with grandparents due to lack of funds to bring her back home.  This past summer before her parents reunited she asked to live with them when mom and 3 of her siblings were all living in one room .  A small gift that could be mailed to her would be appreciated

Daughter 7 size 8 She likes sponge bob, icarly , singing and dancing. Learning toys /books would also be helpful as she struggles some with reading. Size 2 shoe,

Daughter 1 loves interactive toys wears size 5 diapers. Shoe size 6 or larger

They now have a DVD player .

Household needs curtains, some area rugs, towels, pots and pans

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FAMILY #p7 –

Diabetic woman who discovered her illness when an infection set in that caused her to have to have her leg amputated. She is often bored and hungry. She has no license and little to do especially now that her sister who uses to call from the nursing home died and a friend who also lost her sister during the same time has now stopped reaching out to her. Her house is not handicap assessable so every day is an effort. She could use entertainment items, food and dog food for the dog she keeps for protection. Also looking for a someone getting rid of a good couch near Burlington NJ well as a gas stove (hers stopped working) and a apartment washer/dryer combination since she can no longer get to her basement.

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FAMILY #p8 Black Dolls
Mom escaped abuse not quite two years ago and was looking forward to a new and better life. Unfortunately months after her baby son was born her teenage son (after a few days of being lost) was diagnosed with a mental disorder that does not allow him to be unsupervised without fear of what he might do to himself or even others. His condition and the fact the state only offers 16 hours of supervision a week has also now caused her  to lose her new found job. Last year with help from our donors was the first time her children had Christmas is a very long time. This year she thought things would be improved and she would be able to do it on her own. Due to the circumstances that have recently occurred she is in need of help.
 Male 17yr men m. top bottom 32 likes art

Female 16 ladies small tops bottoms 1/2 likes books

Female 14 ladies m/l tops bottoms 5/6 likes making clothes and hair accessories

Female 12 child’s 14/16 m/l tops likes games

Female 8 child’s 7/8 s/m tops dolls

Male 1 child’s 2t likes cars

Mom 34 wants nothing more then a Merry Christmas for the kid's and some household pot's and pan's...along with some food to make for Christmas dinner.
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FAMILY #p9
Single fulltime student mom of a little boy could use a helping hand

She wears L top , size 9/10 pants.
Her son likes typical 5 year old boy toys and learning toy.

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FAMILY #p10

In need of a used but working refrigerator for a retired senior citizen that ( lives in Lumberton NJ) can not afford a replacement for the one she has that no longer works.

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FAMILY #p11
Couple with no young children. Mr in need of shoulder surgery due to car crash but unable to have since he is his wifes care-giver…Mrs who is in her early 50’s became paralyzed from the waist down shortly after they married a few years ago. Mr took his vows seriously and parked and then sold his Harley to become her 24 hour care giver. The state pays him for only 35 of those hours.  They use to enjoy going out to places like Cracker Barrell or a movie, but are having serious financial problems due to the expensive burden of her constant health issues. Even though they are having problems they remain charitable despite their troubles and try to help others less fortunate than themselves in non financial ways.  There is only a small part of their home that is handicap accessible so they are limited where they can go together even while in their home. They do have a wheel chair assessable vehicle now. She wears xl/xxl tops and 20/22 bottoms. He wears 38 x 30 pants and XL tops. A gift that might allow them get out a little would be nice. Something like a gas or restaurant card would be appreciated. FOOD is always na issue. They share their two rooms with one small dog that loves to bark, a cat that would rather hide and a bird in a cage that watches it all
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FAMILY #p12 Caucasian Dolls

Two sisters sharing a home now since ones husband is currently stationed in Iraq . Minimum wage leaves little for extras. They each have a daughter. One is one year old and wears 2t/24m , the other is 4 now and wears 4/5. The older girl tells anyone that will listen that she LOVES Barbie’s and that she looks just like one ( she does too). They have a cat that they adore.

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FAMILY #p13
Couple that was once homeless continues to struggle, Dad works hard but barely makes ends meet.  Mom currently has no job. They have one Teen daughter who would appreciate some nail polish, perfume or other items they could never afford to get her (with the help of gently used clothing she doesn’t clothing). They also have a 7 year old son who wears size 8 and a new baby boy who wears 6-9months who could use some clothes in the 9-12 month range to grow into.

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FAMILY #p14 Caucasian
Couple: Difficult year that involved two moves, car repossession, job loss, serious injuries and major surgery for both in past 3 months. They have 2 children.

Mr wears 30 x30 pants, L shirts

Mrs  has lost allot of weight from illness now wears size 10 pants , L shirts shoe 11
Boy age 8 wears must be HUSKY 14/16 pants and size 14 tops,
daughter 6 wears 8-10

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FAMILY #p15 Caucasian Dolls

Two single best friends raising their daughters together.  Due to a custody battle they were recently evicted and forced to move in temporarily with the grand mother of the older girl. All of their clothing and supplies, including the childrens toys are now locked behind a door they no longer have a key to. The two adult females wear 3-5 slacks, xs, small and med shirts, 34 B bras. As for their daughters ~ one wears 18m/2t shoe size 7 or  larger…4 year old wears 3/4 and shoe size 10 and above. They like anything baby doll related, books, kitchen accessories, puzzles, crafts and dress up is mainly what they both like and dogs, cats and dolphins.
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FAMILY #p16 African American all ages onlydoll

Widowed mom (size 24/26 pants xxxl shirts) of  a 6 year old son (wears 7/8) starting over with a new man (32 or 34 x 32 and L shirts) and a surprise of a brand new baby girl. Unfortunately she turned out to be unable to work for entire pregnancy as her blood pressure was out of control. This has caused financial heartache that leaves no room for Christmas or gifts.


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FAMILY #p17
Single mom with Lupus. She is unable to work…..having serious financial problems to the point of having little food to eat.

Baby Boy is now slightly more then one year old. He  wears  24m/2t sometimes 3t. Has currently has no age appropriate toys as the ones we gave  him were for when he was much younger…
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FAMIY #p18 Bi-Racial Black/White Dolls
Couple: they have a little girl and very little money. In the past year they have both lost their jobs and were forced to move when the ceiling of the house they were staying in collapsed on the crib their daughter had fortunately just been taken out of.. He also recently had surgery on his leg that he is slowly recovering from. Though they hoped to lose some weight in a healthy way they have both lost allot of weight rather quickly recently due to lack of food.

Dad wears 40-42 x 32 slacks and xl shirts, 17.5 dress shirts 48-50 jacket

Mom wears 12 /14 and L -1x shirts

Girl 2  years old wears 3-4t .  Shoe size above 9.She LOVES all interactive play, especially dolls (They allow her to play with ones marked 3 and above as she is not far from 3 and never plays unsupervised with them).  We were able to supply them with a VCR player now so their daughter can watch VHS movies

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FAMILY #p19

Mom of a teen was just informed her job is going to end the before Jan 1st. She wears a 20 short or petite slacks (must have pockets for medical supplies she needs to carry) and 18/20 shirts, 42-44 B bras. Daughter wears 9-11 jr pants (mostly 11)

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SITUATION #p20
We also need toys that can be used for both boys and girls…things such as books, hot wheels , legos, blocks, larger piece puzzles, coloring books, crayons,baby supplies, etc. New clothing and other new items are offered thru out the year when we have them as they always make people feel no matter their circumstances that they to deserve something new too.  We are the perfect place to re-gift that item you received but will never use.

If anyone has any baby gates they can always be used to keep the growing little ones safe. Also needed are smaller outside pet houses in good/great shape which are needed for the feral cats…the plastic ones are the best to keep the rain/snow out though newer wooden ones in good shape do work if the roof is made properly.

FOOD IS ALSO ALWAYS NEEDED for people and the pets they love !!

This Just In - Another Xmas Request

Just came in Family needs help for Christmas
11 yr old boy size 16-18   or mens small  shoe-9.5  likes anything sports related or airplanes
5 yr old boy size 6-8 clothes need adjustable waist bands or stretchy kind very thin   shoe-13  bubblegum,board games,anything to do with army/helicopters/planes  wants a cool blanket and pillow   trucks/cars  coloring books
3 yr old Michael  size 5  shoes-11  games,toys

This is their first year without their infant son as he died from a terminal illness.  Due to finances family is struggling and still dealing with their grief.

Newest Christmas Family - PLEASE READ

Here's a family that could really use some help - their Dad died from cancer and the Mom has ankylosing spondolytis- not sure what that is - but it is disabling.  One of her twins has pancreatitis and is in constant pain.  She told us they would like to have shoes that have no holes in them and I then asked her for a wishlist for them - this is what she wrote:


Good Morning Susan, my twins will be 12 a week from today. It was hard for me to ask them what they would dream of for Christmas.   They just want us to have a place to live.. security.  Getting them to dream past that was difficult for them.  They did open up about a few things they would like.. 

Ryan is a 61/2 boys shoe an 11/12 pants and med-lrg 10/12 shirt. 

Richy is a size 8 shoes an 18 husky pant and xl 16/18 shirt.

Aside from basic shoes and clothes, they love playing in the snow but don't have snow boots or pants. We are Catholic and Ryan uses my rosary every night to help get through his pain from pancreatitis.  He is asking for a rosary and real prayer book as well as a cross necklace. He also does oragami but needs oragami paper. we have no board games and both always says they would like the games Clue and Monopoly Deal. Lastly he really likes Large Jawbreakers.  Richy wants snow boots and clothes as well as the games that Ryan wants.  We have an old PS2 that works sometimes. but we have very few games. Both boys say they dream of a Gamestop gift card so they could go pick out a used game. Richy likes bubbletape gum and would like a gift card to Wawa or anywhere.  One time he got a gift card from Wawa and was so happy when we ran out of milk and I had no money, he was like a big guy and said "mom, Ill take care of it, here's my Wawa card." I appreciate anything that your organization could do.  My boys need to be kids and let me take care of the big stuff.

To Fr. John

HAPPY, HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!  Hope you had a wonderful day!! 

Thank You From Us

Our heartfelt thanks to Lorrie and Tim from Lakehurst and Jeannie and Peter from Kensington, MD for their continued financial support.  Your generous donations make it possible for us to continue our mission of serving those in need.

God Bless,
Fr. John Bellezza

Additions to the Christmas Families List

NEW ADDITIONS - PER FR. JOHN 11/2/2010

Family 11
Young Mom with two autistic boys, ages 2 and 5 (More info coming)
ages 2 and 5 years old.
2 yr old likes to build things with blocks or large size legos  also likes to color   soft like puzzles
5 yr old likes things that lights up  tools like plastic saw and hammer
both boys love anything to do with Teletubbies  and barney
like books with pictures  and dinosours
different  size objects are useful in their therapy such as balls,bowling ball plastic pins etc
 

Family 12:
Woman with 5 children, has not yet given us the sizes or requests;  only that they would like a turkey and stuffing they have not celebrated holidays in over 2 yrs.  But because they are now going to have custody of a relatives 2 children they want to make the holiday special if we can help. (More info to come)
Here's the requests for this family:
12 yr old girl  size 2/3 juniors
14 yr old girl  size 14/16 clothes
they both like bubble baths,body sprays,perfumes,jewelry and coloring drawing .anything to do with art
boy wears size 12/14 likes music that's cool,board games, football, mystery books, Weird NJ magazine found at Barnes n Noble book store
4 yr old girl likes barbie,loves dress up as princess,educational toys she is very interested in learning,candyland game ,old maid card game,making things in craft department like coloring butterflys and hanging up in moms windows so sun shines threw.Likes pretty scarfs and gloves to wear even when the weather is not cold.

Family 13:
single mom with 10 yr old son
10 yr wants anything to do with being  a doctor and he likes model cars
mom would like perfume

Family 14
single mom with 4 children
4 yr old girl wants a barbie doll and a game
6 yr old girl wants lip gloss,coloring books with colored pencils,1 pretty dress for Sunday School size 6
8 yr old boy wants transformers  and a blanket for his twin bed
14 yr old boy wants a skateboard ,Walkman,battleship type games

Family 15
mom with 2 children and small dog
1 bag of dog bones
mom would like bathroom supplies such as soap,bubble bath etc
3 yr old boy  size 4 clothes,likes anything to do with trucks and dinosours
11 yr old boy likes board games and educational type toys,wants to be a scientist when he grows up or astronaut

Family 16:
has 7 children still working on what they would like
mom due in Dec having fraternal twins

Family 17: 
single dad with son
dad would like shaving supplies
4 yr old son wants pjs and robe  size 4 and candy cane from Santa Claus
he also likes anything to do with animals in a zoo

Family 18:
Young couple with 3 year old girl.  Struggling, Mom lost her job, Dad has reduced hours
3 year old - learning toys, books, a Barbie, coloring stuff.
Mom is tall and slim - 5'10" 130 lbs  needs clothes for winter, size med/lg because of length - would like pants/shirts
Dad is 36-38/30 jeans, med/large shirts
 

May the Love and peace of Christ our savior be with you always
Fr. John Bellezza

Recently Donated Items for our Families

Here are a couple of pictures of items donated to us.  The first is a large quantity of Desitin - which we ALWAYS need:

Thanks So Much!! 

 This next picture is a bunch of Xmas items made by another of our donor families.  They are so cute!

Thank you, Lorrie and Tim for your continued support of our organization.

Mom Needs Clothes for her Toddler

Pat sent this to me today.  Can anyone help with clothing for this little guy?   Boys' clothing is so hard to come by. I've edited it for brevity - but the basics are here. 

We are looking for any 3t and 4t clothing for a little boy. He is 3 and a half now and is growing out of everything that his Mom has. He has about 4 pair of jeans(all 3t's)and just the other day she went to put him in one of those pairs and they were too short on him.  She is currently an out of work single mom just trying to get by right now. She gets no financial help from anyone. She can use anything for him for the winter.  He needs pants, winter hat, scarf and gloves, any thermals if possible right now. Sneakers and boots(sz 9-10). Anything is fully appreciated.

Thank You and God Bless!

FYI - ACME TURKEY SALE UNTIL THANKSGIVING

Acme stores are selling frozen turkeys 12-22 pounds or so, for 39 cents per pound!  It was advertised in their flyer - but not posted on the store window.  All the Acmes in our area are participating in the sale.  Sale ends on Thanksgiving and then they will be 1.49/per pound.

If you need a bird - this is an incredible deal!  YUM, YUM!!

A CHRISTMAS REQUEST FROM US

We are in need of new small toys, coloring books, crayons, Golden Books, story books, mittens, gloves, little stuffed animals - things that will help us fill Christmas stockings, provide other small gifts and needed items for our families.

We can also use toiletries for adults - shaving cream, shampoos, shaving items, etc. 

Please contact us if you can help - Christmas is around the corner - 

Many Thanks and God Bless,

Susan

Turkey Bird Request

We have numerous requests for Turkey Baskets for the upcoming Thanksgiving Holiday.  If you or anyone you know can donate a frozen turkey or canned ham - please contact us.

Does anyone know where we can go to buy them at wholesale or have them donated from a poultry supplier or grocery??  


Too many are hungry - please think of that when you sit down to a table loaded with food.   How little would it take to put food on someone else's plate???  This is terribly important to me - thanks for "listening" :~)


God Bless,

Susan

Christmas Wish List for Some of our Families - Can you help???

Christmas Wish List:
Family 1:
12 yr old boy-anything sports related, socks
twin 12 yr old boys-skateboard,watch,cool stuff(whatever that means)
3 yr old boy  toys cars/trucks,  Legos
2 yr old girl  likes dolls,  coloring

Family 2
1 infant boy   pampers,  toys,  shampoo, etc.
1 5yr old boy  likes coloring,  building stuff with blocks

Family 3
boy 15  wants skateboard or used bike
boy 9  wants binoculars,  watch,  coloring books
girl 12   likes puzzles ,jewelry, coloring or painting supplies, board games

Family 4
new born fraternal twins:  boy and girl -Pampers needed
3 yr old girl likes dolls, playing house, dress up
10 yr old boy wants skate board, board games, watch to wear,  1 wallet with $5.00
also would like a hoodie size 14/16

Family 5
Wants food for Christmas and male shaving gel,razors and cologne

Family 6
12 yr old boy wants scooter, sports stuff
5 yr old boy wants action figures or race cars

Family 7
3 yr old boy likes action figures, soldier stuff, fire trucks, Big Bird and Elmo
4 yr old boy likes to color, Legos, anything to do with magic
12 yr old girl  earrings, watch, camera, likes to paint, loves nature
14 yr old girl  she wants to be a detective like  Sherlock Holmes,likes mystery books, mystery games, Weird NJ magizine, body sprays
They all need gloves and scarves - mother said if possible

Family 8
4 yr old boy wants to be a policeman, likes action figures, badge, wants a police hat, he also likes things for playing on the beach
9 yr old wants a watch, wants a robe(size boys large)  walkie talkies, horse shoes, games

Family 9
infant baby boy  -toys, anything for baby
4 yr old girl-likes Dora
2 yr old boy  wants a wagon, likes Dinosours, blocks

Family 10
17 yr old girl-body sprays, jewelry, porcelain dolls, puzzles, music box, cool scarf
17 yr old boy-watch,wants a skateboard, sports related items, binoculars
15 yr old girl likes make up and perfume, girly stuff
13 yr old girl wants a walk man, games, watch , coloring or art supplies
11 yr old boy wants model airplanes or anything related to air planes
Mom wants a robe (size Women's small)
Dad wants shaving creme and razors
 
 
Well that's the list so far.   See a family you like??  These are such simple requests - please, if you can, help us.   
  

CHECK THIS OUT - WE MADE 101.5!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 NJ Ministry Offers "Reys of Hope"

Listen to Dino Flammia's report:

In its first year of operation, the Reys of Hope Project helped about 200 families in need. Father John Bellezza, a crucial part of Reys' growth, expects to help a bigger amount of families as the months roll on.

Reys of Hope is run out of Bellezza's ministry, Holy Angels Childrens' Society. It has a mission in Haiti, the Dominican Republic, and here in the United States. "We collect clothing and items from various sources, and distribute them to needy people in New Jersey," explains Bellezza. The "we" refers to Reys' list of volunteers. Bellezza says that list is comprised mostly of women.

When children are on the receiving side, the project likes to include books in their offerings. Bellezza explains, "We found out that many families that are in bad situations are either not aware of education or don't push it."

Currently, Reys of Hope is collecting turkeys, gift cards and other items to distribute before Thanksgiving Day. "With the economy the way it is, and the lack of jobs, we keep pretty busy," says Bellezza. Despite the struggling economy, Bellezza says he can still find his fair share of generous people that are willing to give.

Originally, the project was known as Rey of Hope (King of Hope, or Christ). Bellezza stresses the fact that despite his project runs out of a ministry, Reys of Hope assists anyone in need, regardless of ethnicity or religion.

Those wishing to help/donate can use the contact information below:

Holy Angels Childrens' Society
Reys of Hope Project
P.O. Box 185
Whiting, NJ 08759

E-mail: holyangels@live.com
Phone #: 609-969-2235

Thanks to our Silent Volunteer

Dear Silent Volunteer :~)

Thank you for donating some of the proceeds from your yard sale to our organization - it will help with all the requests we get at this time of the year.

WOW - Check out how many families Pat & John have helped this year!!!

In Burlington Co - 16 families; Ocean County - 60 families,   33 other families in  counties including Atlantic, Camden and Cumberland).   This is from Jan 2010 until October 2010.  This does not include what the other Reys  volunteers  have delivered.  We know Peaches has a LONG list - but due to her computer crashing - has lost her notes.  I, Susan, am a poor record keeper - as I only work with a few families : ~)  Krystal is also busy helping others as well as raising her little boy and going to school -

Please remember, Thanksgiving and Christmas are fast approaching - we have many requests for Thanksgiving Baskets and as always need Christmas gifts for our families.  If you can help please let us know.

Happy Fall!!

Thanksgiving Food Baskets

So far, we need 5 Thanksgiving Baskets for needy families.  If you can help, please let us know. 

A Thank You for US!

Here's one for us:

Dear Father:

Thank you again for everything the boys also thank you they are very happy for what they received from your groups generosity.

Talk to you soon

Dawn

Thank You Lorrie and Tim

Another thank you from Fr. John :

Lorrie and Tim - thank you for your generous donation and your continued support of our organization.  God Bless!

Thank You Jeannie and Peter

Just got this from Fr. John:

 

Please thank a Mr Peter Berg and Jeanne Berg for their donation for REYS OF HOPE.  It could not have come at a better time with holidays coming up.   GOD BLESS THEM BOTH for being so generous.  Father John

Local Area Food Pantries as of September 2010

Here is our most recent information on Food Pantries in our area.  Please support them if you can.  In this economy we need all the help we can get.  No one should ever go hungry. 

Barnegat Anew United Methodist Church  609-994-7311

Delta Food Mart in Lakewood 732-367-4242

Food Bank of Monmouth and Ocean Counties in Neptune 732-918-2600

Redeemer Lutheran Church in Manchester 732-657-2828

Your Grandmothers' kitchen in Toms River 732-240-0441

Helping Hands in New Egypt, 732-644-8335 or Pastor Bob @ 732-768-0520.

Pat and Fr. John's Activities for September

WOW!  These guys have been busy, busy!!  Thank you to all of the kind people who donated the items in this post!   

Some drop offs and pick ups we have done since Sept 2010
Gave walker to elderly man in parking lot who was having difficulty walking
Gave to 3 young mom's to be Desitin, infant boy clothes in season, toys, shoes, recieving blankets and baby shampo approximately 20 outfits per baby.
Helped a mother of 7 children with twins on the way. Children's father just recently died of a heart attack. He was the only bread winner.  Kids age t from 3yr to 19 yrs old.  Twins are due in November.  They would like to have a nice thanksgiving dinner if we can get it for them. Hopefully we will get some Thanksgiving baskets made up this year even if we get a canned ham. So far we have 4 families requesting turkeys or ham for Thanksgiving.  Normally we do not do food unless it is for holidays and someone donates to us.  The 7 children also would like one present from Santa.
Baby clothes donated to mom for boy and girl twins due.  Baby swing,  cribs, mattress, junior girl clothes, size 4t clothes with shoes, boy pants size 10 and 12 jeans with pull over long sleeve shirts, socks, size large womens tops and stretch pants, new underwear  for boys, some Desitin for twins due in November, pjs for boys.  Baby toys for the twins and several books for children ages 4-12 yrs old.  They need SOCKS AND GLOVES but we have not recieved any yet.Will put them on  the list .
Woman starting over needed bed linens and towels;  gave her 2 matching complete bed sets with comforters.  Brown and green bath towels with matching washcloths.
Young mom with 6 mos old daughter:  gave her winter clothes for daughter with 2 prs shoes, childrens toys, silverware, pots and pans, matching dishes  and dish drain.  She had hardly anything for her kitchen area.   Also gave 2 pairs of curtains that matched, 2 matching kitchen chairs for a kitchen set, blankets, desitin and baby oil, baby swing, baby stroeller,  baby clothes for baby boy due soon.  Also baby book on babys first year after born and book on how and what to do if baby gets sick, colds or hurt.
Grandma raising 3 grand children wanted 3 bikes; so far we have given them 2 still need 1 more boys bike.  Also gave them about 6 outfits per child with nail polish and lip gloss for girl and games for boys.
Junior teens size 3-5 given to a dad with 11-13 yr old girls.
Donated to us:
1 car load of toys and junior clothes.
2 cribs with mattress and swing,  stroeller and lots of baby boy clothes.
3 coats for boys.
crafts which we gave to a lady who has neighborhood children over her house.  She does crafts with them and has a small religous service.
a box of hard back childrens books.
small check to us for our gas.
some mens shoes and shirts size xl.
some canned groceries.
Woman and her son donated his old toys.

We Gave
a bike helmet to a boy who had a bike but no helmet.
religous booklets to a religious woman.
1 medium size bag of clothes for a granddaughter that just turned 11 yrs old.
a kitchen set for young girls birthday.  She wanted to cook with her mom.
a baseball hoop with soft ball to a little boy who just turned 5yrs old.  It was what he wanted for his birthday gift.
1 large bag of kitty litter to a family with cats and no litter.
several school bags 15 to be exact with new school supplies in them.
several women's shoes to a woman with casual wear who just started a new job at TOYS R US(which is hiring for the holidays).
a sewing kit and lots of zippers and buttons to a lady who sews.
a childs chair and table.
baby bottles(which we always need)1 breast pump, 3 pacifiers, recieving blankets, clothes, 1 package of diapers, little booties, 4 homemade sweaters white and pink, and baby toys to for a young mom who just had a baby girl.

 

Thank You from Me

Thank you to Mary from Forked River for her donation of brand new clothing for the children of  our Mom from Little Egg Harbor.  Boys stuff is so hard to find - I guess they wear it out before it can be passed on.  Unlike little girls - who are like our dolls :~)   I was so happy to get your items - Thank You again!!  They were dropped off that afternoon.

Susan

FYI -

Sometimes I need to hit myself in the head with a board?!!! :~)  I think it's worth mentioning that Fr. John has been having services at the community center in Whiting.  I find his sermon to be very informative - I call it "teaching not preaching".    He explains about the Bible and the events in a meaningful, interesting manner.  It is a traditional service in all ways and I find it very uplifting.  I have to report that I while I believe in God and do his work - I never go to church.  Strange how things change as we get older :~)  

If any of our readers are interested in attending - please comment at the end of the posting or email us and I will see if we can publish our schedule - since we do not do a weekly service. 

Suzann

Update on School Supplies!!

Per Pat, due to the fantastic support of our donors we were able to provide school supplies to more than 15 families.  Here for your viewing pleasure - several pictures of some of the bounty.  There are two more of the supplies - but they are fuzzy - 

 Thank you to all who donated for your generosity and continuing support of our mission!!

Please Help - Clothing Needed

Recently rec'd this request from my friend Bill - one of our regular donors - if anyone can help - please contact me - suzann@reysofhope.com.  I will make sure the items get to him and the family he is assisting.

"I have a clothing request for a tenant I am putting in to a rental.  Need some clothing asap for 6 year old twin boys size 7/8 and a girl size 8/10 and also women's size 12".

I have some clothing for the Mom - I'd really appreciate it if we could get some stuff for the children - boys clothing is especially hard to come by - let alone twins.  My personal "suzann charity fund"  is in a world of hurt - as I just purchased a convertible car seat for a young woman raising her niece - and struggling as well.


Thank you for any help - I will also be posting this on my facebook page.


Suzann

Couple of Things

FYI - thank you all who donated - we provided school supplies for more than 10 families.  If you made a financial donation to us - please be assured that the money went for the purpose that you gave it.  It's great to be able to help others in this horrible economy.

Also, I want to say that I lost my best girl, Shelby, the Reys of Hope Mascot late last week and haven't felt like doing much - like updating the blog and stuff - I apologize - she was 15 years old and my little sweetheart - here's her cute little face for your viewing pleasure :~)

Shelby So Pretty

Shelby in her Wheelchair

She was always under the table when Fr. John and Pat came for coffee and muffins - ever hopeful for some treats.  She was there when we made the flannel pj pants.  She was Sophie's sled dog - hopping on her toboggan to be pulled around in the snow.  She loved my grandchildren and they loved her.  She knew they were a great source of dropped food.  We will all miss her - the pet lovers at Reys of Hope and Sophie and Alex - her two little people.

I hope you enjoy Labor Day weekend and we get the rain we so desperately need.  

Susan

A Plea for Financial Donations

We have so many requests for school supplies this year....we are wondering if you - our donors would be able to make a small monetary donation thru our Paypal link - five dollars or ten?  More if you can afford it?  We use your donations where they are intended to go.  Since we are staffed by all volunteers we do not  carry the significant overhead of other organizations.  However, we can only do so much.  Many times, we dig into our own wallets to help those less fortunate.  It is becoming increasingly difficult - especially as the economy continues its downward spiral and more people are jobless and in need.  If you are able to help us - please be assured that your donations will be used to purchase those necessary items that the children need.  Can you imagine not having a backpack or bookbag, pencils, paper at the beginning of the school year??  Thank you so much and God Bless.

A Day (er) Month in the Life of Peaches - Our Tireless Worker

Just got this in from Peaches - her activities for July - I really don't know when she finds time to sleep!!

JULY
 
1 Sorted and Boxed up clothing.  Tried to drop egg cartons to someone that needed them but he had already left work. His job location and the fact he gets off at 6pm may make this drop a hard one to ever make, though I will keep trying.   Picked up 2 large boxes of clothes donated by someone forwarding on to multiple families, including a grandmother raising her grandson after her daughter was murdered by an abusive spouse.
 
2 Went to Great Clips and Donated 11 inches of my hair to Locks of Love for a total of 57 inches in a little more then three years. That  is  only 5 inches less then I am. As always,  the night was spent sorting items and figuring out who needed them most.
 
3 Delivered food items to a young couple who finally found an apartment.  The food was donated by Donna from Maple Shade.  Thanks to her generosity, they had  food and toilet paper both of which they needed. Spent the evening sorting organizing clothing that needed to be sorted.
 
4 Spent the evening sorting after work.
 
5 Picked up a few small bags of Women's clothes which were sorted after work.
 
6 Picked up clothes, baby swing, baby car seat, stroller and port-a-crib that only needs a mattress from Mirian in Willingboro.  Her husband even helped load the truck.   THANK YOU!
 
7 Gave crib and swing plus a box of gender neutral baby clothes to a young expectant mom with only a part time job. Also gave outside toys for a little boy who lives near Mount Holly.
 
8 Finished sorting and boxing up many of items from a recent pick up. Dropped clothes to a mom of 4 with little money. She needed clothes for herself as she has to find a job since they can no longer afford to live on Dad's disability check. She was told she should not work due to severe diabetic, and heart complications but has no choice but to find something or they will not be able to eat and keep a roof over their head. His check is less then $800 a month. As you can imagine that offers little in this world.
 
9 Tried again to drop egg cartons, again got there minutes too late. Spent night trying to match up shoes and socks that seem to have lost their mate..many turned out to be so worn we could not use them.  Now that I know that Nike will take any sneakers to recylce, I can bring up to 10 at a time to one of their stores in NJ.  Here's the link if anyone is interested:
http://www.nikereuseashoe.com/get-involved/drop-off-locations?country=US&zip=&state=NJ&x=62&y=20 


10 Dropped off three  bags of clothing for a little boy in Riverside. His parents do what they can but with rising bills help is always welcome.  He now has enough clothes for from now until next spring.
 
11  Picked up items from storage to sort into boxes elsewhere. Even wth a radio there, sometimes its just not enough. Tonight was one of those times.
 
12 Continued making up boxes from items as they were sorted.
 
13 Picked up some clothes, toys,  household items,  and pool toys from Sandy in White House Station, NJ.   THANK YOU!!
 
14 Toys and pool toys picked up yesterday, were given to to 3 different housholds where toys are no longer able to be purchased due to financial issues.  The pool toys are to be used at Grandmom's house.
 
15 Sorted and dropped baby items to Mom expecting a baby  little girl within a month.
 
16 Picked up numerous bags of clothes and assorted items from Bonnie in West Berlin. After a friendly hello kiss from her dog, her Dad loaded them into the truck.  We shared a quick pleasant conversation before I headed off to pick up three bags of Food from Nancy in Browns Mills.  With so many in need food is always a very welcome donation.   THANK YOU BOTH!!
 
An aside - since all of the Reys folks are bigtime animal lovers:  We help where we can.....I caught another feral cat that will be getting fixed as soon as they have an open appointment.  Sadly this makes 15 in the last few years that have been forced to live on the street.  During that time only 5 were able to be socialized and rehomed as they were kittens when I caught them. Two others have moved into my home and one came to the secure and enclosed feeding area to die after years of being fed by me. The other Seven I paid fullprice ( over $100 each at the time--this time there is a special discounted price :) to have them fixed.  They are fed and given water everday though they are unable to live inside a home and are forced to live in ouside housing. Five of them even I can not touch and I feed them. This recent young female cat and now two more that need to be caught have recently shown up. I believe one is her sibling and the other her mother. Chances are they dropped her off when they discovered she was pregnant. One simple operation would have  solved the problem before it became one.  It is a shame that some people think of animals as disposable instead of truly part of the family. Of course shelters are not the place to bring those that survive since shelters euthanize around 4 million animals every year due to space and money issues mostly.
 
17 Picked up multiple bags of clothes from Michelle and Will of Willingboro.  Met as co-workers in the past, today they are friends that never forget to help us. Will pick up totes and totes of toys when time allows.  THANK YOU!!  Spent night sorting previusly picked up items.
 
18 Worked all day .....Spent night sorting items that were picked up yesterday.
 
19  I spent today working on an updated needs list that currently totals 3 pages. I could do this while I worked my paid job. As backwards as it sounds I fit paid work around Reys of Hope and not the other way around.  Though it may not be financially smart to only work part time, most weeks the reality is, if it's not us helping others - then who??   My current list does not include those on Pat, Father John, Susan or all of Krystal's ( have some of her list). Mostly they have their own needs list on which they concentrate.
 
20 The list was completed today. Clothes that got wet in the unexpected rain storm were dried and readied to be sorted into boxes in the next few days.
 
21 Pet food was dropped to an elderly woman who can not afford to feed herself and her pets.
 
22 Boxes were dropped to Jack for delivery. There was one box for a single mom of two little girls ~two for a struggling couple with three children~clothes for the four children of one unemployed dad and mom who are struggling with a recent illness~ two boxes of clothes and toys as well as a baby play matt for a teen mom and her new son. They were dropped to where they were needed within 48 hours of him receiving them. Unfortuantely, most of those items were for them to use this winter and not now. Summer clothes often show up in January and rarely show up in the summer. By now the totes are mostly empty of summer clothing.
 
23 Dropped some toys to a child that had none at all...dropped some clothes to a toddler whose mom lost her job and a a man who needs clothes after losing weight.  As always,  spent night sorting alone while the rest of the world slept :~)
 
24 Picked up a truck load of assorted men clothes, housewares and even some food from Susan and Ed's Dad's house. He had lived in Browns Mills. Susan sorted and boxed up most of the items and Ed loaded the truck. THANK YOU!!   Spent the night sorting and organizing about 60% of items on the truck. Boxed up most of them.
 
25 Food from the two earlier pick-ups will be shared with two people. Today some was given to a man with a medical condition and no support system or extra money for food. So no one goes completely without, he got half and the other half will go to a lady in Camden county
who was found a few months back eating cat food and vegetables out of the trash. Spent the night sorting and organizing the remaining items on the truck. Boxed up the rest of them for use by another.
 
26 Starting the day off by dropping the feral cat, (which I caught last week)  at a Friends of Animal's Welfare Association in Voorhees to have her fixed ( special price of only $35). 

27  Working on sorting and making up boxes for more then a dozen families and individuals. The range of people in need is indeed diverse.

Just to name a few current situations ~  teen mom with clothing and toy items for one quickly growing, currently bored baby. ~ Mom of a 1st grader that is starting over.  Her baby girl is due in a few months.  Things were looking up in her world until her pregnancy complications
made her have to stop working.  The Dad-to-be does what he can though with one income it's difficult to buy all a baby needs and keep up with the bills~  A woman in her 20's has escaped a domestic violence situation with few possesions.  She is living in hiding after escaping from
a very dangerous situation~ Mom of toddler girl and her friend who has a  preschool daughter trying together to start fresh and keep clothes on their children~ One local special education teacher I have known for years in need of learning toys that are appropriate and helpful for her students ~ Recently unemployed couple who both have had to be hospitalized in the past few months find clothes and toys for their 2 year old child as well as themselves ( they lost weight due to illness) ~ One medically challenged Mom of a toddler boy in need of clothes and of course toys. Dad is now in jail for making choices that mom did not endorse or even know about~  A couple with 4 little boys under the age of 8 ( one just months old) and a string of bad luck. Mr is having difficulty finding work and Mrs has been having health issues that have continued even after her last son was born. They have landed her in the ER as recently as last week~ One older woman in need of easy wear clothing to make it easier to care for her since she can no longer care for herself ~ Single mom of two little girls in need of school clothing~ One man who lost everything in a bad divorce. Even his clothes were trashed when she left him for another man~ One very sick mom of two school age children ( boy and girl) finally found a place for her and her husband to live though they are in need of all the household items one would need as well as clothes for the children~ four hard working heavily in debt ( school loans that total large amounts) females that can not afford clothes for work now that school is done ~ Teen dad found a job but can not afford food , baby supplies and clothes for himself ( he has lost weight from stress) and his girlfriend ~ household items for a senior citizen that had to move to NJ to be close to her family since she could no longer live
as independantly as she once had~this is not the complete current list but it does give you an idea of what we do and who we help.
 
As always all the children get books when we have them. Thanks to Jenn in Riverside we have enough to share with all of the most recent families . THANKS!!
 
28 Made a drop of 3 small boxes to a local thrift shop that supports extra outings for those living in a local children's home.  Only dropped the items we could not use which are rare. They were such things as out of state team hats,  ash trays, books in non-english languages ( not spanish) , old unopened calendars with cool pictures, wall decorations that are of a certain taste,  and other such items.
 
29 Not feeling well due to serious medical issues only worked on boxes for a few hours
 
30 Still not feeling well ( which is my norm) , managed to work on the boxes for a few more hours.
 
31  Unloaded the truck and sorted the remainder of items since I had a pick up tomorrow. Dropped one quickly boxed up baby boy items for a mom who told everyone she was not pregnant until she went in labor and had a little boy one week ago..she needs everything as she has nothing.  Due to limited baby boy items gave her all I had in 0-3 month which was only a few onesies and some items for him to grow into but not many....NEED BABY BOY items ...and .....
 
Searching for ...actually always seem to be searching for....baby boy 0-9 months summer clothes~ have none and need both ASAP girls 9-12 month summer 0-24 month winter clothes for boys and 6-24 months winter clothes for girl though any size and season from 2t under can be easily stored.  If not needed now it can always be used later.Need both sex baby all sizes onesies and footed PJ type one piece outfits as we have none in boys and few in girls.  Need a highchair....a playpen....a crib...stroller....everthing a baby needs...baby supplies.  We have many babies due between Sept and December. As always they need allot of everything.

Beyond that always looking for pants 30 x 30, 32 and 34 x 32, 38 x 32 40 and 42 x 32, 44 mens shirts all sizes except small...boys 14husky or even 16 husky...could use some women's and men's summer pants all sizes....long pants could use some 10, 12, 16, 18,  22-26 regular and short or petitie in 12 and 18/20 sizes , woman's shirts size large and above - all seasons. Womens shoes 8 and 8.5 wide.  Queen and full sized sheets and of course twin sheets. ....Pet food ( cat, dog and bird) and litter so pets can remain with their loved ones as well as people food and items for those who go hungry without help.