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 new community partners. For example, we’ve long adopted the wish lists of teens served by Guadalupe Family Services, knowing that most donors prefer to give to younger children. This year we also offered a practical pre-Christmas gift: space heaters for cold apartments in this frigid December weather.
For years, we’ve donated coats and other warm outerwear to Joseph’s House, a shelter for unhoused persons in Camden. This year, we also donated winter wear to recipients at Sisters of St. Joseph Neighborhood Center, along with toys for the kids.
Our newest tradition 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 Max had fun shopping for blankets with Mom Elena and Nonno (Grandpa) Pepe. The blankets were our contribution to Project Night Night, which assembles bags of useful items for children in shelters.
Thank you for sharing our spirit of love and joy in this season of generosity!
