What: “VETERANS OUTREACH.” SVM Parish and its school have participated in outreach programs for Veterans who are located at the VA facility in Lyons, NJ since 2014.  The facility is approximately 30 minutes from Madison. The majority of opportunities at the facility are at the Community Living Center, which is a nursing home setting.  Some of the programs the parish has conducted in the past are:

• Volunteering to host and assist at recreational events at the Lyons facility, providing and serving refreshments while getting to know the residents during the program.
• Conducting a toiletry drive for needed items at the facility.
• Hosting veterans at SVMS where the students provide entertainment and get to know individual Veterans.

 Who it benefits: self-explanatory. 
When it happens: periodically, sometimes coinciding with Memorial Day. 
Time commitment: varies according to event but typically is between 1 and 3 hours. 
Coordinator:  Bill Heskett
                           Phone:  917-714-0081 
 
Further info about the VA location in Lyons can be obtained at:
http://www.newjersey.va.gov/locations/lyons_campus.asp
 

What:  “PINE ACRES BINGO.”  Parishioners donate items used as Bingo prizes for residents of Pine Acres Nursing Home in Madison.  The suggested items are typically new or gently used inexpensive things.  Jewelry – especially bracelets and long necklaces – are often requested. 
Who it benefits:  Residents of the nursing home. 
When it happens:  Several times a year as the supply of gifts/prizes dwindles. 
Time commitment:  less than 1 hour.
 
Coordinators: Anne Shearman, phone 973-723-3666 and
                          Gerry Storino, phone 973-377-7430