Caitlyn Bergman has enjoyed community service for as long as she can remember.
And while she never thought, expected or wanted any recognition, she was thrilled to learn that the group with whom she currently volunteers, NeXt Level in St. Ann Parish, Lawrenceville, will be honored during the Mount Carmel Guild’s annual gala Oct. 15. The gala will be held in the Trenton County Club and livestreaming will be available for those not able to attend. To purchase tickets or register for the livestream, visit www.MtCarmelGuild.org/gala.
“It makes me feel good to be able to help others and make an impact on the community,” said Bergman.
Bergman, a student in Hopewell Valley Central High School, shared her thoughts about her own service experiences during an afternoon gathering the Guild staff hosted July 27 for the 2021 gala honorees. This year the Guild will recognize students and young adults from Catholic schools and parishes in the greater Mercer County area.
After enjoying a pizza and salad lunch, the young people heard about the almost 102-year-old inner-city Trenton diocesan agency and its mission to assist the poor through its Home Health Nursing and Community Support Programs.
“Prior to the pandemic, food pantry families were limited to once a month visit. Now those in need can come once a week,” shared Mary Inkrot, executive director. During the first half of 2021, Inkrot said the food pantry averaged more than 1,000 household visits each month and “we continue to distribute our food outside, with each household receiving a prepacked bag of food.”
Weather permitting, she continued, the Guild hosts a “market” where care receivers can choose additional food items. Those needing food assistance may visit the Guild Monday-Friday, 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. and also on Wednesdays from 1 to 3 p.m.
Of the Home Health Nursing Program, Corinne Janoska said, the staff of two nurses has resumed in-home visits.The Guild currently assists about 35 patients who are mostly referred to the Guild through caseworkers.
Honoree Nick Foley, a member of St. Gregory the Great Parish, Hamilton Square, and sophomore in McDaniel College, Maryland, serves as a volunteer in several capacities, including with the food drives hosted by the parish Knights of Columbus council. The Mount Carmel Guild is among the agencies to receive food donations. Foley has also joined his parish in serving with the Loaves and Fishes program in St. Mary of the Assumption Cathedral, Trenton, and he proudly shared that he had just returned from participating in Project Appalachia with the parish youth group.
Foley’s motivation to help others simply comes from the gratitude he feels for having “a home where there is food on the table. I want to give back any way I can,” Foley said, adding how he appreciates the Guild’s work and sharing in their “spirit of service.”
After extending appreciation to Sister of St. Joseph Pat McGinley, pastoral associate in St. Ann Parish, for NeXt Level’s award nomination, Bergman commended how the Guild managed to remain open during the COVID lockdown and “help a lot of people. I’m honored that our group was chosen,” she said.
Inkrot smiled as she reflected on this year’s gala honorees, “all young people of the community who share a spirit of service to the community and many have actively supported the Guild’s mission.
“We are happy to be honoring the young people of our community,” Inrkot said. “They already understand that we all are part of a community and the importance of sharing their blessings with others.”
To view a list of the 2021 Mount Carmel Guild Gala honorees, visit TrentonMonitor.com