Mercy Giving Tree Project collects donations for the homeless

WEST HARTFORD—During the month of December, The Mercy Community honors its mission to care for the poor with its Mercy Giving Tree Project and commemorative service for those who are living or who died while homeless. 

Beginning Monday, December 2, baskets were placed at the main entrances to Saint Mary Home (2021 Albany Avenue) and The McAuley (275 Steele Road.)  The Mercy Community asks that visitors donate warm winter outerwear including hats, gloves, mittens, scarves; soaps and other personal care items to its annual Mercy Giving Tree campaign.  All collected goods will be distributed to people in need at the Salvation Army's Marshall House in Hartford and St. Elizabeth House, also in Hartford.

On Saturday, December 21, The Mercy Community will join with organizations and spiritual communities around the United States in commemorating National Homeless Persons Memorial Day.  The Mercy Community's 4:00 p.m. Liturgy will be offered for all who live or who died homeless in the Archbishop John F. Whealon Chapel of Our Lady of Mercy at Saint Mary Home.  All are welcome.

During this Mass, Father Kelechi, chaplain for The Mercy Community, will bless those donations of outerwear and personal hygiene products donated to The Mercy Community's Mercy Giving Tree Project.  Once blessed, the items are distributed to Marshall House and St. Elizabeth House before Christmas.  Those attending the Liturgy are welcome but not required to bring such items with them as donations.

Saint Mary Home is located at 291 Steele Road in West Hartford (GPS address).  For more information on the Mercy Giving Tree Project or the National Homeless Persons Memorial Day event, please contact Christine M. Looby, Director of Community Relations, at 860.570.8305 or clooby@mchct.org, and for more on The Mercy Community and their services offered to seniors please visit www.TheMercyCommunity.org.