The historic Church of the Holy Cross – a longtime refuge for those in need – now needs your help this holiday season.
Already crippled by staggering repair bills to a crumbling façade, ceiling and walls, Holy Cross was devastated when a fire tore through its rectory.
The 156-year-old parish has for decades helped its Times Square neighborhood with a food pantry that feeds 18,200 New Yorkers each year. This past weekend, nearly 400 seniors and needy families – double the usual number – went to the West 42nd Street church for food baskets to get them through the month.
“These are people who just need a little extra, to help keep them from falling in the cracks,” said parishioner and longtime pantry volunteer Nona Granelli. “As long as you have the need,” she said, “you can come in.”
Holy Cross also operates a parish school that provides an educational haven for 276 kids from all five boroughs, many from working-class and immigrant families.
Each day, more than 100 people, including tourists, parishioners and the homeless, come to Holy Cross seeking an oasis in a bustling city.
The Rev. Peter Colapietro is counting on your generosity to keep the landmark parish open to serve those in need. See the panel above to find out how you can help.