Carole opened the meeting with an advent reading from Jean Gallot. The minutes were read by Nancy Behanna and accepted. In attendance were Kay Coyle, Michele Berner, Barbara Yannaco, JoAnn DiSalvo, Jack Kiely, Joanne and Chuck Bunnell, Carole and Boll Grafer, Nick Dono, Mary Dietz, Jim Falanga, Linda Hunt, Nancy Behanna, Jerry and Dorothy Perez and newcomer John Lucid. The HAPNAP numbers for November are as follows, 71 families, 127 adults, 137 children, 5 elderly, plus 90+ Thanksgiving baskets. We shopped at the food bank and spent $1762 for almost 3200 pounds of food. Venison counted for 96 pounds for $15.00. Carole mentioned the need for can openers and some used equipment for our clients who live in motels. Father Michael Cedra sent us a Christmas card thanking us for all our hard work. He writes that he will keep us in his prayers and during the Christmas season. We received a check for $1300 and food from Stop & Shop. St. Columba’s 2nd collection for our society totaled $6154. What a nice surprise! Other donations came from Sons of Italy, a check for $150 and six fully cooked turkey dinners, and Altar Rosary gave us two checks, totaling $157.

Carole suggested putting a list in the pantry for members to write down items that their clients need. Linda only needs about 6 or 7 more baskets to fill for Christmas. The cut off date is December 12. So far, 85 baskets have been filled. She mentioned that breakfast is optional and cutting back on gifts, but majority of the people wanted to include the above. The Rotary is filling eight baskets for us. Linda rounded up some volunteers for December 19 when we hand out the baskets. We welcome our newest member John Lucid. He was interested in knowing the procedure for giving food to the clients. The meeting came to a close with a Hail Mary, with intentions for our clients, especially the one that are homeless. A Christmas social was held after the meeting. A note: Carole reminded all members that items such as laundry detergent, shampoo, sugar, pancake syrup, etc. should only be given once per month or as needed.    Submitted by Emily Berberich Minutes taken by Joanne Bunnell