Felician University, the Felician Associates of Lodi, NJ, and the Lodi Police Department have joined forces to assist Santa’s Response Team, a nonprofit that provides Christmas gifts to children in need.
“It started because Sister Mary Juanita [Arnister] and the Felician Sisters invited all of the first responders and police departments in the area to come to their convent and have coffee one day as a way to build community, get to know each other, and say thank you for their service,” said Lt. Anthony Mobilio, who is in charge of community policing in Lodi and oversees the department’s outreach activities.
That connection led to Felician University getting involved for the first time this year with the toy drive that has been conducted for the past 31 years and provides Christmas gifts for children throughout Bergen County. Recipients also include patients of the Hackensack University Medical Center and military families. This year, especially because of the pandemic and unemployment, many children will only enjoy gifts from organizations like this.
“I think it’s fantastic,” said Lt. Mobilio, “It’s going to be a great partnership.”
Sister Virginia agreed, saying, “So a cup of coffee with the Felician Sisters has led to a great partnership to help children be happy during this Christmas season. May God reward the humanitarian efforts of Lt. Anthony Mobilio, Sister Mary Annelle, Andy Fellows and all of our Felician Associates, especially Jackie, Janet, Lori and Joan.”
Felician University is a ministry of the Felician Sisters of North America located in Lodi, NJ. To learn more, visit their website.
Felician Associates are lay men and women who support and promote the mission of the Felician Sisters with compassion and mercy as they cooperate with Christ in the spiritual renewal of the world. Click here to learn more.
