In what has become a tradition for the family and friends of the late Paul Morais, during each August for the past fifteen years, a fundraiser for the CFC Taunton Operation Christmas Program has been held in memory of Mr. Morais.
As a young boy, and until he met an unfortunate death in a car accident at age 21, Paul Morais was an enthusiastic and dedicated volunteer for the CFC Taunton Operation Christmas Program. His family felt that his memory would be best honored by continuing to contribute to this meaningful endeavor each year. The family-oriented fundraiser involves sales of tasty meat-on-a-stick delicacies, combined with day-long contests and activities for local children. The 2010 event raised over $1,500 in donations for Operation Christmas.
Operation Christmas uses the funds donated to the program to purchase and distribute toys to be given as children’s Christmas gifts to the parents in low-income families with children age 12 and under. Appropriate documentation must be presented by families to show a need for this type of holiday assistance.
Deborah Araujo, CFC Director of the Taunton Operation Christmas Program, noted that Citizens for Citizens, Inc. is very grateful for the continuing generosity of all the supporters who take part in the Paul Morais Operation Christmas Fundraiser. Many local children who might not receive gifts on Christmas Day will be delighted by the gifts they receive from Operation Christmas.
“Poverty is a national problem, requiring improved national organization and support. But this attack, to be effective, must also be organized at the State and the local level and must be supported and directed by State and local efforts.”
“For the war against poverty will not be won here in Washington. It must be won in the field, in every private home, in every public office, from the courthouse to the White House.”
President Lyndon Baines Johnson, First State of the Union Address. Delivered January 8th 1964
When President Johnson delivered his State of the Union address, his commitment to the War on Poverty was declared and the battle waged. Some 45 years later, many battles have been won, but the war, regrettably, lingers on and, in fact, more people now reside in poverty in the United States than ever before.
While the number of elderly people living in poverty has been greatly reduced, there are still far too many families with children living in poverty. Our country has discovered a cure for polio, landed and returned astronauts from the moon, assisted other countries after natural and man made disasters, but this same country has too large a number of people living on the edge of social and economic hardship.
CFC Executive Director, Mark A. Sullivan, Jr. addressing the gathering while CFC Board President James E. Dolin looks on
In Southeastern Massachusetts, the fight to eliminate poverty has been led by the organization known as Citizens for Citizens, Inc. On September 8, 2010, over 1,100 people gathered for a breakfast and awards banquet at the Venus de Milo Restaurant in Swansea, to pay tribute to the antipoverty work performed by Citizens for Citizens, Inc. employees since the establishment of the agency, 45 years ago. From very modest beginnings, CFC has become the designated Community Action Agency for the Greater Fall River and Greater Taunton areas and now offers help to residents living in poverty through over twenty different social service programs, ranging from Weatherization to Fuel Assistance, to Head Start, to Senior Aides.
Mark Sullivan sharing a humorous moment with Barney Frank
U.S. Representative Barney Frank was the main speaker at the event. Congressman Frank praised the role of Citizens for Citizens, Inc. as the dedicated provider of assistance to those in our community that are most in need. He also spoke of current national concerns regarding health care, unemployment, and the war in Iraq.
Mrs. Victoria Reggie Kennedy speaking to the attendees
Victoria Reggie Kennedy, guest speaker and widow of U.S. Senator Edward Kennedy, spoke to the assembly and made many comparisons between the causes that were important to her late husband and the work done by CFC’s programs.
Three volunteers for the CFC Foster Grandparent Program were given awards at the gathering for lengthy service to the program. Winifred Le Cornec was presented a plaque from Congressman Frank and Ms. Kennedy to commemorate her 30 years of distinguished participation in the Foster Grandparent Program. Marie Reed and Angela Armeco were both honored for their 25 years of volunteering in the program.
Winifred Le Cornec receiving 30 year FGP Service Award from Congressman Barney Frank, Victoria Reggie Kennedy and FGP Director James Souza
Marie A. Reed accepting her 25 Year FGP Service Award presented by Barney Frank, Victoria Reggie Kennedy and FGP Director James Souza
Angela Armeco accepts her 25 Year FGP Service Award from Barney, Mrs. Kennedy and FGP Director James Souza
The Olivia M. Giannini Award was presented to RSVP Maurice (Mo) Trenteseaux for his work at the Seekonk Council on Aging.
Maurice (Mo) Trenteseaux accepts the "Olivia Giannini Volunteerism Award from Barney Frank & RSVP Director Bill Leary
Taunton —
Two local toy drives aiming to put smiles on the faces of area children who are less fortunate this holiday season need donations more than ever, organizers said.
The Operation Christmas project has provided gifts for Taunton children for more than 30 years and is now taking applications from needy families until Dec. 10. The effort is organized by local nonprofit Citizens for Citizens, which is accepting toy donations for children up to and including age 12 at its One Taunton Green location.
Last year Operation Christmas gave gifts to 3,000 children. Citizens for Citizens said the need is much greater this year.
Besides toys, Citizens for Citizens is seeking donations of warm winter clothing, such as fleece sweatshirts, winter hats, pajamas, jackets, socks and gloves. The only stipulation the organization has on donations is no toy weapons.
The initial distribution date for Operation Christmas is Dec. 18.
 Trenteseaux along with Barney Frank and RSVP Director Bill Leary.JPG "Mrs. Kennedy presents the Olivia Giannini Volunteerism Award to Maurice (Mo) Trenteseaux along with Barney Frank and RSVP Director Bill Leary.JPG")
