It has been a busy 50th-year anniversary for the Gerald J. Ryan Outreach Center here in Wyandanch.
A sincere ‘Thank you” to all the people who donated this past summer to purchase ice cream and pizza for the children at camp! The seventy-five campers loved the special attention and treats they received each week. We told the campers that people donated the ice cream and pizza because they are special and people care about them. All children need to know they are loved, especially those who are homeless or live in a shelter.
The “Back to School Backpack Program” went well, with over 350 backpacks distributed. Also, we provide school supplies during the school year if we have them available.
Our new client numbers are increasing, as are the requests for diapers (sizes 4, 5, 6). This will translate into more toys needed for our Christmas distribution and a higher demand on our clothing room and pantry. We are still the largest food and clothing pantry in Wyandanch.
With inflation eroding the value of a fixed income, the Outreach is experiencing an increase in older people coming for food and clothing. They just cannot make ends meet and keep food on the table for their children. We all see the increased cost of basic food and rising gas prices. People are struggling to make the decision to either pay for rent or provide the necessities for their families. The answer is food when children are involved. It is not uncommon to see an 80+ year old new client walk to our center looking for food. While our numbers are increasing, we are holding our own with the food for now; I am mildly concerned about the winter months.
Clients are now registering for our Thanksgiving and Christmas Basket and toy distributions. Typically, we provide a turkey, a basket of fresh vegetables, canned food, pasta, and stuffing to feed a large family. We distribute the same food basket for Christmas but also try to provide three new, age and gender-appropriate toys for our 550 registered children.
St Anne’s Parish in Garden City and St. John the Baptist DHS have always been great supporters, and we could not do what we do without their help. We are expecting at least 375 families to register this year for each event.
We are weeks away from distributing winter coats and have already started distributing sweatshirts and sweaters. We need clean, gently used winter coats, sweatshirts, baby clothing, and men’s clothing.
I am already looking forward to the Spring Soccer Clinic.
Joe
