News

Chapel expands effort to assist homeless

The Rev. Jim Brennan, co-director of the St. Francis Chapel on Bridge Street, says it was a simple idea with perfect timing.

"We wanted to build upon our pajama collection for the homeless," noted Brennan, referring to the chapel's successful annual collection of sleepwear, "and collecting personal care items seemed like it would work equally as well."

Enter a few of the chapel's downtown business neighbors and the collection boxes started filling up.

"It's such a busy season and sometimes the focus on giving back gets lost," said Mary Fallon, media director at Garvey Communication Associates, located down the street from the chapel in Tower Square. "We felt this would be a simple way to achieve that goal - pick up a few small personal care items while you were shopping - and it took off from there."

Fallon said that several area businesses quickly signed on to help, including the A.L. Cignoli Co., Sir Speedy Printing, the law firm of Bulkley Richardson & Gelinas, photographer Paul Schniattacher, the Cruise Store and the Tower Square Management office.

The first collection went very well, Fallon said, adding that the collection box was just about full in two hours. The spirit of the season was what touched volunteers the most, including one young boy who asked what the collection was about and then donated a quarter to help.

"The amazing part of this collection is how it has taken off online as well," said Anthony Cignoli, president of A.L. Cignoli Co., and who has donated considerable time and his public relations skills to spread the word.

Amanda Gauthier, social media assistant at Garvey Communication, set up a Facebook fan page for the chapel, which resulted in an East Longmeadow business signing on to collect items in that town as well.

"Now we are seeing people chat about it on Facebook and Twitter - all resulting in more donations, of course - which is just incredible," Cignoli said. "It is a small effort - but it really makes you feel like you've done something right this holiday season."

"It's easy to forget that Jesus was homeless and was born in someone else's stable," Brennan said. "The spirit of the season can be found through giving - especially to those with the greatest need."

More information on this collection and other efforts to help the homeless can be found at Facebook.com/StFrancisChapel

Photo Caption: Mary Fallon, Media Director at Garvey Communication Associates Inc.; Father Jim Brennan, Co-Director of St. Francis Chapel; Ellen Lambert, volunteer; and Amanda Gauthier, Social Media Assistant at Garvey Communication Associates Inc., kick off the first collection of personal care items for the homeless at Tower Square in Springfield on December 3rd. Collections will continue throughout the holiday season.

©2008 Garvey Communication Associates, Inc.