Charity Round
The Charity Round is a bi-weekly program that provides food assistance and distributes clothes, blankets, and informative publications directly to the homeless shelters and underprivileged families in the New Jersey and New York region.
Due to the economic crisis in the USA, the face of poverty has been changing. Although we continue to see poverty on the streets, the increasing amount of families, single mothers, fathers, and children that are presently living in homeless shelters is very alarming. Hunger is still prevalent in most cities across the country--New Jersey has been particularly affected, seeing the percentage of those living in poverty rise from 10.8% in 2012 to 11.4% in 2013 (according to the U.S. Census Bureau). Witnessing these negative results, the LBV is continuously motivated to provide relief to these disadvantaged individuals and families in any way possible.
Since most shelters are only equipped with a dry food pantry, the Charity Round program strives to offer nutritious and fresh meals, soups, fruits, vegetables, and water. Occasionally, the LBV also provides hygiene items, female-care products, baby items and clothing, and, with the help of community partners like Rutgers New Jersey Medical School, the LBV brings blood pressure and glucose screenings, as well as educational workshops related to both physical and mental health and hygiene.
A significant reason why the Charity Round has been able to function successfully year after year is because of the altruistic volunteers who participate in this program. Ms.Sâmara Caruso, Programs Coordinator of the Legion of Good Will, believes that it is essential to offer a sense of encouragement and opportunity for people of the homeless shelters. She argues: “The LBV’s Charity Round program offers families struggling economically, a sense of alleviation from the economic stressors and perils they are currently facing. Aside from the nutritious meal we provide to the families living in homeless shelters, we are also there to give them a sense of hope that the situation they are facing is temporary and that in life, we are always given the opportunity to do better. In the Legion of Good Will, we believe that every human being deserves dignity in the basic human rights, including the right to food, education, health, and work and that sometimes, all they need is a little push forward to the right direction, reminding them that ‘Every day is a day to renew our destiny’ as the President of the Legion of Good Will, Paiva Netto, states.”
Furthermore, Ms. Ana Sequeira, who is an avid volunteer of the LBV, mentioned that she feels very thankful for the opportunity to serve other people. Even more, Sequeira said that, “the Charity Round in Newark, NJ, has contributed to my inner growth, and the sense of fulfillment of bringing a smile to somebody's face is priceless! More than mere charity, the right to have a meal should be considered an inalienable right, it’s justice! I would like to thank our President José de Paiva Netto, for the trust he has given us in healing the world with great love in order to make it a better place!”
Overall, the Charity Round is an excellent cause to engage in. To become a volunteer or to contribute to the program, please see the contact information below:
Contact Phone: (973) 344-5338
Email: info@legionofgoodwill.org
Community Center: 20 Calumet Street, Newark, NJ.