The Parish of Saint Thomas More in Cherry Hill has again brought joy and happiness to children living in the Philadelphia and Camden areas. These are children who usually feel sad and alone during the Christmas season.
Who are these children and why are they sad? Their parents are incarcerated, and the children are afraid that their parents have forgotten them. However, for the second year, the parish of Saint Thomas More has made sure that children whose parents are incarcerated are loved and not forgotten. Their parents still love them.
The Angel Tree Christmas Program gives incarcerated parents a way to show their love for their child. The parent requests that a gift be sent to the child, along with a personal message written by the parent.
When Chris Betson-Smith, the parish Angel Tree coordinator, received the names and information of 23 children, she got to work with her Angel Tree teams. The parishioners purchased gifts for the 23 children that Saint Thomas More volunteers then wrapped.
When all was ready, they delivered the gifts to each child and the caregiver. As the child was receiving the gift, a photo was taken and later mailed to the parent. Thanks to Saint Thomas More Parish, 23 children and parents were able to share in the joy and love of the Christmas season.
Sister Mary Cronin, D.M., is coordinator of prison ministry for Catholic Charities, Diocese of Camden.
Did You Know?
According to the most recent statistics, six counties across the state of New Jersey account for only 26% of the state’s population, but are home to more than 50% of the state’s imprisoned population. Four of these counties are in the Diocese of Camden.
They are the counties of: Atlantic, Camden, Cumberland, Cape May, Essex and Passaic
In addition, there is a high cost to families of the incarcerated in New Jersey:
• Jails charge up to $3.15 for a 15-minute phone call.
• Prisons charge families up to a 15% fee to transfer money to an incarcerated loved one.
• People in the state’s prisons must pay for hygiene items and other basics unless they have zero funds in their account and no financial support.
People in New Jersey prisons can earn as little as 26¢ an hour for their work, with the average being from $1 to $7 an hour.
Source: prisonpolicy.org
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