ABSECON – Fully stocked with food items and lined wall-to-wall with parishioners, the new Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton Social Action Center was blessed May 24 by Father Cosme de la Peña, pastor of the parish.
The annex, home to the Social Action Committee’s new food pantry, was recently renovated with the help of parishioner and Boy Scout Caleb Akerlind, 14, of Galloway Township, who chose this cause for his Eagle Scout project.
“One of my neighbors was actually one of the founding members of the Social Action Committee, and I saw that it was in desperate need of help,” Caleb said after the blessing.
Housed in the basement under the parish office for years, the pantry moved to the annex. The months-long renovation started with clearing everything out of the building, Akerlind said. The walls were repainted; the bathroom upgraded with a new sink, toilet, mirror and lights; and cabinets were painted and installed with a new countertop. The refrigerator and freezers were moved from the garage, new curtains were hung, and approximately 12 shelving units were added along the walls – with food added prior to its official reopening.
“I don’t know how many of you were familiar with the condition of this room prior to us entering, but it didn’t look like this, I’ll say that,” Deacon Richard Wigglesworth said as he commended the teen for his hard work.
“Caleb and his fellow Scouts … assisted us in the renovation,” the deacon continued. “They did a wonderful job and worked tirelessly. We’re greatly appreciative.”
Prior to the blessing of the annex, at the end of the 11:30 a.m. Mass, Father de la Peña and Deacon Wigglesworth presented a plaque to Kathy and Jim Revell, who led the Social Action Committee for approximately the last eight years during their decades of service.
According to the parish, the Revells were the successors of Mary Graziano, who started the Social Action Committee with Msgr. Michael Coyne and Sister Pat Smith in 1984. Msgr. Coyne was the parish’s founding pastor.
Taking the reins from the Revells are Deacon Wigglesworth and his wife, Karen.
“We’re just honored to have the opportunity [to serve],” he said. “I’m so pleased to be able to fulfill my role as a deacon to serve the community here at Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton.”
The Social Action Committee serves the community in many ways, including the food pantry; providing Easter and Christmas cards for those in nursing homes; hosting a giving tree for Christmas; holding a diaper drive in September, which provides diapers to single parents as well as the Jersey Shore Women’s Center; and providing hand-knitted blankets for baptisms, as well as hospitals and nursing homes.
To reach the Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton Social Action Committee, call 609-641-1480 ext. 7 and leave a message for a return call.
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