As coordinator for the Society of St. Vincent de Paul's Adopt-A-Family program, I would like to publicly thank all the wonderful people who contributed to our program this year and made Christmas extra special for many needy families.

The Society of St. Vincent de Paul is a nonprofit organization designed to help the poor meet their immediate needs. We empower our clients to overcome the demoralizing effects of poverty and encourage them to take active roles in their independence. We are not supported by any governmental agencies, but rather rely on private donations and fundraising. Should anyone like to make a donation to our Adopt- A-Family program or to our conference, please do so by calling us at (732) 257-7722 or mailing your donation to The Society of St. Vincent de Paul, St. Bartholomew's Conference, 460 Ryders Lane, East Brunswick, NJ 08816.

I would also like to say a special thank you to Spotswood Schools PTA, particularly to the chairperson of the Adopt-AFamily program, Sue Engstrom, and her volunteers. This organization provided 190 gifts enabling 16 families to have a Christmas this year. The Spotswood community must also be recognized for its incredible kindness to our program.

It is the generosity of these organizations, as well as all our contributors, that make this program so rewarding. In the true spirit of the season, I would like to wish all of our contributors a very merry Christmas and a healthy and happy new year.

Maureen Goletz

Coordinator

Adopt-A-Family Program Society of St. Vincent de Paul

East Brunswick