Well before we established the Domenica Foundation in 1991, the Piperno family started bringing Christmas cheer to underserved neighbors in Camden and other South Jersey communities. The tradition shifts to meet changing needs, but the spirit never changes.
One of our oldest traditions is assembling food baskets for delivery to Camden residents living in poverty. The photo above dates from the early 1990s. Today, recipients pick up their baskets at Sacred Heart Church rather than having them delivered. The baskets include a turkey with “fixins” and everything needed for a holiday meal. We sponsored 70 baskets this year.
We keep adding new gifts with long-time community partners.
For years, we’ve donated coats and warm weather accessories to Joseph’s House, a shelter for unhoused persons in Camden, and the Sisters of St. Joseph Neighborhood Center. This year, we also donated hats & gloves for the teens supported by Project Night Night, which assembles bags of useful items for children in shelters.
One of our merriest traditions is sponsoring a ride on the Polar Express for children undergoing long-term medical treatment and their caregivers. Ronald McDonald House gives those caregivers a place to stay and other support while their children are in the hospital. We sponsored every family at the Camden house to enjoy a train ride, gifts, and treats on the Polar Express.
Another tradition is teaching Piperno children the joy of giving. This year, little Sophie & Max had fun shopping for the teens served by Guadalupe Family Services with Nonno (Grandpa) Pepe. Each year, we adopt the teen wish lists, knowing that most donors prefer to give to younger children. Together, we shopped, wrapped and dropped off our donations!
Thank you for sharing our spirit of love and joy in this season of generosity!