How did you first become involved in organizing and distributing Easter baskets to children through Catholic Charities, and what inspired you to take on this initiative?

I first became aware of the opportunity to organize and distribute Easter baskets through the Academy of the Holy Names (AHN)  Mission and Ministry Department led by Sister Lisa Perkowski. The first and second grade classes at AHN were asked to make donations for filling Easter baskets, and the children brought in goodies and supplies to fill the baskets leading into Holy Week. Sister Lisa sent a follow up note out to the AHN community seeking support to distribute the baskets on Holy Saturday. My wife, Nina, and I discussed [it] and thought it would be a great opportunity to give back. I have to give credit where it is due. Nina suggested we rally the troops, and we recruited several family members and friends to join us on that Holy Saturday. 

How has this experience of giving alms and serving those in need transformed your family life and strengthened your bonds with each other?

Having the opportunity to serve is something that I had the privilege of doing quite a bit growing up. As a child in Orlando, the memories and time spent with my family offering our time in the community at downtown homeless shelters and volunteering for Meals on Wheels left a strong and lasting impression on me. Today as a dad, taking the lead from my own father, it is important for me to create opportunities for my family to serve others. My hope is to create lasting memories for my girls, serving our community shoulder to shoulder. It sounds cliché, but serving is as important to those serving as it is to those receiving. 

As the father and head of your household, what motivates you to lead your family in practicing God's love through corporal acts of mercy?

I was very fortunate to have parents who instilled in me the value of serving others at a young age. Sharing this deeply rooted value with my children is something I cherish. Having this opportunity to give back resonates, because it strengthens the bonds with my girls, as my parents did with my sister and me. 

In what ways have you seen your children's understanding of charity and compassion grow by participating in this project?

Nina and I try to instill in our girls that we are very fortunate and blessed, and it is our duty to share these blessings. We also want our girls to understand we have certainly worked hard for what we have because God has blessed us in many ways. Oftentimes those in need are not too different from us. We also try to show our girls giving back is not always monetary, and there is so much value in time as well. Finding the balance is important, and showing up to contribute often means more than just “writing the check.” Offering our time with the girls at an impressionable age allows us to show how a simple act significantly impacts someone else. Also talking about what we did, our favorite part of the activity, and reiterating the family time and bond has really helped the girls get a firm grasp of the positive impact serving others can have. 

How did you encourage extended family members to step out of their comfort zones and engage with new people during this volunteer work?

Fortunately, it was not too difficult. We are extremely lucky to have a great family and friends. Sister Lisa needed some extra support for the event, and we called on loved ones and close friends and they came through without hesitation! 

Can you share a memorable moment or story from your time distributing Easter baskets that deeply impacted you and your family?

The most memorable moment for me is how much the kids really took charge and took to heart why we were there. I am proud of the kids for stepping up, jumping in where asked, and taking the lead to serve throughout the morning. Whether it was crafting the best basket possible for each child as if it were their own, to handing out pastries and drinks with a smile, all the way down to cleaning up after the event. No complaints, just smiles and a “what can I do next?”  attitude was seen from all. 

How has volunteering and donating to this cause become a way of life for your family, and what are your plans for continuing this involvement?

Volunteering is very important in our family. We all had a wonderful time at the event last year, and given the opportunity, we would love to be involved again this coming Easter and in years to come. What we try to keep in perspective is that a few hours helping others goes a long way.

In what ways do you feel that your family's participation in this project reflects serving as Christ serves?

This is why we are here. We have all been called to serve Christ in one way or another. This project allowed us, as a family, to serve our community as He has called us to. In this scenario we were blessed to spend time together growing our family bond, while serving others in a beautiful way.

What advice would you give to other families who are considering getting involved in charitable activities but are unsure where to start?

Take a leap of faith and go in with an open mind. There is no amount of time too small. If you are unsure, commit to an hour, see how it goes, then stay longer if you can. Donating your time will be more rewarding for you and your family than you can imagine. 

What has been the most rewarding aspect of this project for you personally, and how has it brought joy and fulfillment to your family?

The conversations, the pride in giving back and doing for others, and then the reminiscing about the event days or even weeks later. That’s what it’s about for me. It’s also rewarding when our girls take the lead and push for the next opportunity to get involved.

Participate in the Easter Baskets of Plenty Drive 2025

Why: Initiated by a compassionate college intern, this fundraiser serves children of Catholic Charities client families. The initiative aligns with the Lenten pillar of almsgiving, bringing joy to approximately 1,000 children, including 500 at San Jose Mission. Your contributions make Easter special for those who might otherwise miss out on the joy of Easter egg hunts and baskets.

When: March 5 to April 11, 2025

How You Can Help: Drop off essential items including Easter baskets, Easter 'grass', plastic eggs, candy, toys, and personal grooming accessories. To see a full list of items and to learn about all our drop off locations visit: ccdosp.org/donate-for-joy/ for a list of drop-off sites.

Monetary Donations

You can contribute by mailing a check to Catholic Charities DOSP, donating online at ccdosp.org/donate/, or text donateforjoy to 44834.