Goya Foods, which is headquartered in New Jersey, donated $10,000 to Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Newark as part of the company’s Goya Gives campaign and commitment as an institution in the community.
Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Newark, one of New Jersey’s oldest and largest social service agencies, helps nearly 70,000 individuals and families each year to improve the quality of their lives and enhance their self-worth and dignity. “Supporting the work of community organizations like Catholic Charities and those who need help the most has always been a part of who we are and what we do at Goya Foods,” said Rafael Toro, Director of Public Relations of Goya Foods. “For us, it’s not just about giving a donation, but it’s about making a difference and inspiring others to do the same.” A portion of the funds from Goya Foods, Inc. will be used to purchase toys as part of Catholic Charities’ Help a Family at Christmas project, which supports needy families who would not be able to celebrate Christmas without outside support.
Each year over 300 families are provided with gifts, including nearly 800 children. Funds will also be used to purchase blankets and other seasonal items for individuals in the Program for Assertive Community Treatment (PACT), which provides direct behavioral health and social service care to 274 severely and persistently mentally ill patients, some of whom are homeless and refuse shelter. “We are grateful to Goya Foods for this most generous donation. These funds are such a blessing for people in need during the Christmas season,” said John Westervelt, Chief Executive Officer of Catholic Charities. “Goya Foods continues to be a compassionate partner with Catholic Charities as we live out the Gospel and serve those most in need.”
The donation is part of the Goya Gives campaign, a series of annual donations that serves to encourage others to participate in the message and act of helping those in need. In 2015, Goya will have donated over three million pounds of food to organizations worldwide and continues to support over 250 organizations and cultural institutions. The public can also share the #GoyaGives message with friends and family through Facebook, Instagram and Twitter. For more information about Goya Foods, please visit www.goya.com.
For more information about Catholic Charities or naming opportunities, please contact Catholic Charities at (973) 596-4100, or visit our website at www.ccannj.org for more information.