Support Catholic Charities Community Services of Rockland this season

The team here at Catholic Charities Community Services of Rockland wishes you and your families well as we’re heading into the winter holidays and the end of 2024. On behalf of the thousands of individuals and families we serve, we hope you will consider donating to CCCSR this holiday season. At a time when many of us are preparing for festive family gatherings, some families face the uncertainty of where their next meal will come from.

Recent data shows that over 7% of families in Rockland County battle food insecurity. This number rises to nearly 15% among households with children, highlighting the critical need for immediate support. Every month, thanks to generous donors like you, CCCSR can provide nutritious food to over five hundred families, distributing more than 200,000 meals through our food pantry last year alone. Still, the demand is growing, and your help is needed more than ever.

This is a real story to show how your generosity can change lives:

Tragically, a father of three children aged 11, 5, and 3 was murdered by his estranged partner. The children’s grandmother, finding herself suddenly responsible for their care and upbringing, was overwhelmed. She turned to CCCSR for help. At our food pantry, we provided her with food to stock their shelves and refrigerator along with financial assistance for funeral expenses. The children received school supplies and clothing. With basic needs met, the family was then connected with counseling services. We check-in regularly to support the grieving family in their time of recovery and transition.*

Stories like this matter, and unfortunately this is not the only similar instance of our staff intervening to provide children and families in Rockland County with assistance. Our staff’s work has a clear and measurable impact.

• Educating about resources in the county, particularly the SNAP program to over 2,000 potentially eligible individuals

• Helping eligible children, families, and seniors complete applications, resulting in over 120 households receiving SNAP benefits

• Providing direct financial aid to 40 – 50 households each year to help with rent and prevent evictions.

• Empowering families with financial tools like budgeting support, coupon strategies, and individual sessions to help stretch their dollars further.

• Keeping children safe and secure — each year, your generosity helps us shelter and support 300 – 400 children in our community.

When children have stable housing with their families and food on the table, they can just be children- they can focus and learn better in school, they can choose their favorite snacks and participate in more activities with friends.

This holiday season, please consider supporting CCCSR in our mission to make sure that no one in our community goes hungry. Your kindness and compassion are a blessing to families in need. No contribution is too small; even just $10 donated provides 40 meals to those in need.

To make a donation, visit our PayPal here.

Wishing you and your loved ones a joyful holiday season and a New Year filled with hope and love.

*Details changed to protect privacy