NEW YORK — Cardinal Timothy Dolan joined dozens of volunteers for a day of shopping on Saturday — not for themselves, but for New York families in need this holiday season.

The annual event is hosted by Catholic Charities, which in previous years had held the St. Nicholas day of shopping with volunteers at a store. Last year’s event was virtual due to the pandemic. But this year, it was modified and given a boutique feel.


What You Need To Know

  • Cardinal Timothy Dolan was among the dozens of volunteers shopping for essential items to be given to families in need during this holiday season on Saturday

  • Last year’s event was virtual due to the pandemic, but this year, it’s been modified, given a boutique feel inside the auditorium of the Church of our Savior

  • Packaged items will be sent to more than 100 families across New York

Dolan said an in-person event was needed more than ever before this year.

“We’re not made by God to be isolated and alone. We were made by God to be for others and that resonates on a day like this," he said. "And I think the whole world has learned it."

“It kind of brings me back to being a kid, when I used to go shopping for my sisters and my brothers, my mom and dad,” he added. 

Each volunteer was given a sheet with information about a family for which they could gather essential items at tables throughout the space. Each table held items like sweaters, socks, bedding, winter coats and accessories.

Nancy Matta and her two children are regular volunteers. They said this is the event they look forward to each year.

Nancy Matta and her kids. (NY1/Edric Robinson)

“When we get the sheets that talk about the families, we’re so connected, and it’s so inspiring, the stories," Matta said. "We feel like we’re directly helping them."

This is the third time Alexandra Walsh, her older brother James and their mother Eleanor have participated. Every year, they said they increase the number of families they shop for.

“They don’t have a lot and we do, and I think it's nice,” Alexandra Walsh said.

“We each took one this year, and we were so excited to help out, and it was fun to go shopping for these children,” Eleanor Walsh added. 

Once the items are selected, they are packaged and sent to more than 100 families. Catholic Charities said this is merely an extension of what they do for families in need throughout the year.

“Catholic Charities loves bringing people together," Monsignor Kevin Sullivan, director of the organization, said. "We’re all working together to create greater concern and greater caring."

In addition to those essential items, volunteers also personalized Christmas cards and made ornaments for families throughout New York City.