For the Mount Carmel Guild of Trenton, being selected by the Times of Trenton as a Mercer County-based charity to receive support through The Times Holiday Appeal could not have come at a better time.
“This was a very difficult year financially for the Guild,” Marie Gladney, Executive Director of Mount Carmel Guild admitted. “There seems to be a sense of uncertainty and uneasiness in the world and that affects charitable donations.”
Mount Carmel Guild, founded in 1920 by Msgr. Thomas J. Walsh, provides Emergency Assistance to more than 18,000 people annually, while their Home Nursing Program serves more than 100 seniors a year.
“These numbers exclude those people we service at holidays and in different programs, such as our Backpack Program, so the numbers of those we assist are actually higher.”
“We receive very little from government grants and rely heavily on donations from parishes, diocesan grants and grants from corporations and foundations. The Times Holiday Appeal is different because it allows us to spend money on infrastructure. This is especially important this year, as we lost both a refrigerator and freezer to old age which then needed to be replaced. As the only food bank in Trenton that is open five days a week, we need these appliances to keep food fresh for our clients. A lot of food comes in and a lot of food goes out. So to have funds available for infrastructure needs is so important,” Gladney said.
“We use things until they die,” she said with a laugh, “but we still have a general operating budget. We help others pay for their heat and electric and we also need to be able to pay for our own bills. So we are very grateful for all the donations we receive.”
In 1941, the Guild began operating its nursing program. Originally staffed by four Sisters of the Congregation of the Holy Infant of Jesus, the program continues today under the operation of registered nurses who visit the elderly, allowing them to age with grace and dignity in their own homes.
“We assist those seniors we refer to as GAP Seniors; while they may receive Medicare, they don’t qualify for Medicaid and may need further assistance after a hospital stay or with medications,” Gladney said. “Our nurses administer medications, check vitals, and inspect the house to make sure it’s safe and that the patients aren’t at risk for slips and falls. They also make sure they have food, which can often be scarce at the end of the month and often return to the Guild to get groceries and deliver them to patients.”
“All of the services are provided free of cost to our clients,” she asserted.
For 60 years, the Times Holiday Appeal has supported 501(c)(3) charities from Mercer County. In December, Anchor House Shelter, which provides emergency assistance for homeless and runaway teens, also was selected as an Appeal recipient.
She praised those who work at the non-profit, Mount Carmel Guild.
“They don’t do this work for the money, they do this because they genuinely care for the people they serve and they love the work.”
While fundraising and looking for grants is “daunting”, Gladney also loves this work.
“It is an honor and a privilege to do God’s work, and to be acknowledged by the secular world for the good we do at the Guild.”
According to The Times, “Last year’s appeal raised over $45,000 in community and corporate support of Christine’s Hope for Kids. NJM Insurance Group has been committed to both The Times Holiday Appeal and The Times Kiwanis Camp Fund missions for the last several years. As the Gold Sponsor of this year’s appeal, NJM Insurance Group has committed $15,000 in support.”
“NJM is very pleased to once again support The Times Holiday Appeal,” said Patricia Hartpence, NJM assistant vice president of Corporate Giving. “For six decades, this fundraising effort has helped scores of charitable organizations and benefited thousands of Mercer County residents in need. We thank The Times for continuing this important endeavor as well as Anchor House and Mount Carmel Guild for the difference they are making.”
Those who wish to make a donation should send it directly to Mount Carmel Guild, 73 North Clinton Avenue , Trenton, NJ 08609 or through www.mountcarmelguild.org.