On Sunday, November 20, the New Jersey Area’s Mobile Ministries Van delivered 50 first aid kits—assembled by our members during this month’s Food Backpack session—to clients of Mary’s Hands in Morristown, NJ. Mary’s Hands, affiliated with Catholic Charities in the Diocese of Paterson, is a regular grant recipient within our Area.

This initiative marks an exciting new project for New Jersey, following a request from Fr. Duberney Villamizar, Pastor of Saint Margaret of Scotland Church, where Mary’s Hands is located. During a meeting earlier this year, Fr. Villamizar identified a critical need among recent arrivals from other countries who often lack basic first aid knowledge.

To address this, Dr. Rositta Michael, a pediatrician, led an instructional session on basic first aid, which was translated into Spanish to ensure accessibility. The first aid kits were then distributed to grateful families, providing both practical resources and peace of mind. This effort reflects the Order’s commitment to promoting health, safety, and dignity for vulnerable communities—one family at a time.