The Catholic Health Services Caregivers Fund has made a donation of $1,000 to the parish of St. Joseph Church in Babylon Village, presenting a check earlier this month.
CHS President and Chief Executive Officer Richard J.J. Sullivan, Jr., who also chairs the CHS Caregivers Fund, presented a check for $1,000 to St. Joseph’s pastor, Rev. Monsignor Christopher Heller.
“It’s a relief and a joy to receive this check, which will begin to help so many people,” said Monsignor Heller, generally known as Father Chris to St. Joseph’s parishioners. “It’s a blessing for us and the people of Long Island.”
“With so many Long Islanders struggling to recover from the devastation caused by Sandy, CHS staff wanted to help alleviate their distress in some way,” said Sullivan. “Funds that would have been used to hold our annual Christmas party have been gladly donated to the CHS Caregivers Fund for this purpose. We hope our donation lifts the spirits of children and their families in this community who are suffering as the result of the storm."
He added: "Together, we can ease their pain and share our best wishes for a brighter future.”
Babylon was among the hardest hit Long Island communities, with severe flooding and enormous residential damage. More than 200 homes in the area of St. Joseph were hit by the hurricane's flooding waters. The church became a sanctuary for many, serving first as a warming center, allowing people some respite and the ability to recharge their devices.
Later, the church housed donated supplies such as bottles of water, tools, crowbars, gloves and masks. Thanks to the generosity of neighbors, the parish’s gym was completely filled with clothing from floor to ceiling.
CHS gave $1,000 to five affected parishes to help purchase toys and other needed supplies for children. They included the Church of St. Christopher in Baldwin, Our Lady of Good Counsel, Inwood, the Church of the Sacred Heart in Island Park, and St. Mary of the Isle, Long Beach.
