As the holiday season approaches, Catholic Charities of Staten Island (CCSI), an agency of Catholic Charities of New York, is experiencing one of its busiest and most meaningful moments of the year. Rising food costs, increased requests for emergency assistance, and the emotional weight many families carry during this time have only deepened the agency’s commitment to meeting people with dignity, warmth, and compassion.
A Mission Led by Compassion
“We want every person who comes through our doors to feel respected, supported, and confident that they’ll leave in a better place than when they arrived,” says CEO Claire Atalla.
Under her leadership, CCSI is streamlining its programs — from emergency food assistance to family support, senior services, and disability programs — to make access quicker, smoother, and anchored in dignity. During the holidays, these efforts expand even further through strengthened partnerships with parishes, schools, donors, and volunteers across Staten Island.
Meeting Need Head-On
For Michelle LaVignera, CCSI’s Director of Operations and Title VI Coordinator, the strength of the agency lies in teamwork. “None of this would be possible without our staff, volunteers, and community partners. Everyone contributes, whether it’s coordinating food deliveries, preparing meals, or greeting clients, and it all comes together to make a real difference in people’s lives,” she says.
This collaboration is especially critical as Staten Island families face rising grocery prices, fluctuating SNAP benefits, and increasing hardship.
The Heart of the Pantry
No one sees the daily need more clearly than Lynnell Bruno, Food Pantry Coordinator.
Lynnell has helped expand CCSI’s food services into one of the most comprehensive emergency food operations in the borough. The agency now runs a robust client-choice pantry, a Mobile Food Pantry that reaches five locations, six smaller community pantries, and the new Mobile Pantry Plus, which delivers food directly to homebound seniors and disabled clients.
Despite limited funding and soaring demand, Lynnell keeps the focus on dignity.
“I want every guest to feel like they matter, that they are worthy. The food we give is fresh, real, and respectful. I never want anyone to feel like they’re getting scraps.”
A Volunteer Who Leads with Heart
One of the first smiles guests see belongs to Cookie Donchick, a dedicated volunteer who gives her time monthly, and often more, at the pantry.
“People are grateful,” Cookie says. “They say thank you. They’re kind. I leave here humbled every time, realizing I have nothing to complain about,” she said.
Cookie recalls moments that stay with her: a mother in the freezing cold with no coat, a man without shoes. She witnessed how Lynnell and Michelle sprang into action, finding clothing, gathering additional items, and even following up afterward to ensure the family was cared for.
Her one request? More clothing and reusable bags for clients.
“People need more than food,” Cookie says. “And if we could reduce waste with reusable bags, that would be wonderful.”
A Bridge Between Community and Care
Clemencia “Clem” Cepeda first came to CCSI as a client, seeking support during a challenging time. What she found was more than food or referrals — she found connection, dignity, and a community that cared.
Her gratitude grew into a desire to help others, and she eventually began serving as a parish liaison, becoming a trusted bridge between families in need and the services they rely on. Today, she plays an essential role in supporting the Mobile Pantry Plus program, ensuring that homebound seniors, parents, caregivers, and people with disabilities receive food and personal items delivered directly to their doors.
Clem knows personally how deeply the holidays can impact struggling families, especially those trying to shield children from hardship.
“We live in the best country,” she says. “No child should be without food, ever. Even helping one family, one person, one child, it makes a real difference.”
Her own experience as a client gives her compassion and her role in the community gives her purpose. Clem sees firsthand how powerful CCSI’s services are, not only during the pandemic but now, as rising costs make this holiday season heavier for many households.
Her story embodies the heart of CCSI: a place where those who receive help often become the very people who help others.
A Call to Community
Together, the staff, volunteers, and community partners form a network of care that makes CCSI’s mission possible. As CCSI responds to unprecedented need this holiday season, Lynnell says, “Any support — money, goods, or time — goes directly to families who truly need it. If you could see what we see, you’d know your gift is making a real and immediate difference.”
At Catholic Charities of Staten Island, dignity is not just a value. It is lived, shared, and multiplied — one meal, one smile, one act of kindness at a time.
Learn more about our agencies and see how you can get involved here: https://catholiccharitiesny.org/
