In top photo, young adults load a van with furniture and household good to be delivered to families in need. Matt Marzorati photos
By Elizabeth Zimak | Correspondent
Joe Nowak of St. Catherine Laboure Parish, Middletown, said his family recently moved to a new home, something that he initially complained about. After participating in a diocesan service project, he said he gained a new perspective.
“Packing up our items was a hassle, but at the end of the day, we had items to bring into our new house,” he said. “Going into these homes and seeing that someone doesn’t own a sofa or bed – something that most of us take for granted – is very eye-opening.”
PHOTO GALLERY: 2026 Service & Social
Nowak was one of 11 young adults from across the Diocese who participated in this year’s annual Service and Social event, hosted by the Diocese of Trenton’s Department of Youth and Young Adult Ministries, June 6.
The group partnered with Vincent’s Legacy, part of the Trenton Diocesan Council of the St. Vincent de Paul Society, to deliver donations of gently used furniture and other household goods to families in need and pick up donations.
“It’s very satisfying to be given the opportunity to step into someone’s life and provide them with a reminder that God loves them,” said Dan Waddington, director of Youth and Young Adult Ministries for the Diocese. “For us to empower our young adults to be facilitators of that is really special.”
At the start of the day, the young adults gathered at the Vincent’s Legacy warehouse in Wall Township for a brief time of prayer before helping to load the furniture into delivery vans. The participants were then divided into two groups, traveling to homes throughout Monmouth and Ocean Counties to distribute items to residents.
Encouragement and gratitude
One recipient identified only as Selina serves as a full-time caregiver to her two grandchildren. During the day, while her grandchildren attend school, Selina also works as a cleaner, sanitizing comfort stations at area beaches.
“It’s the perfect place for me,” she said. “I love to clean, and I love meeting new people.”
Selina said that throughout her workday, she often comes across pieces of broken seashells. In an effort to encourage others, she draws designs and writes uplifting messages on the shells before leaving them in random spots on the beach for people to discover.
“I [just want] to spread cheer around,” she said. “The world is sad.”
Vincent’s Legacy provided her grandchildren with a set of bunk beds and accompanying bedroom furniture.
“Since the kids are now living with me permanently, they really needed their own space,” Selina said. “Receiving this donation means a lot – everything’s expensive and we can’t afford much at all. I’m just grateful.”
‘The Christian thing to do’
In addition to delivering items, the young adults also made stops to pick up donated furniture from local families, including John and Karen Mastria of Rumson.
The couple, parishioners at St. Mary Parish, Middletown, were first made aware of Vincent’s Legacy through John’s cousin, who regularly volunteers with the organization. After hearing about the group’s mission, the couple decided to donate multiple dressers, televisions, air conditioning units, recliners, and even a dining room set, all of which had belonged to John’s recently deceased mother.
“There are so many people who need so much,” John Mastria remarked. “We knew we could help them by giving them good furniture in good condition – that’s the Christian thing to do.”
Participant Bobby Minall of St. Rose Parish, Belmar, compared the day of service to a morning at the gym.
“With Service and Social, you still get your workout, but at the same time, you get to make someone’s day,” he said.
Waddington noted that Vincent’s Legacy could always use more volunteers, especially on Saturday mornings during the summer. To find out more about their mission, visit vincentslegacy.wixsite.com/furniture.
