How you can help too

Joe Campisi found out about the Christian Appalachian Project (CAP) quite by chance.
He used to work with the homeless at Sacred Heart Church, and went to work one night and saw “[volunteers] selling Christmas trees outside.” He inquired and was told that the proceeds went to Kentucky - and that people there needed help.
Campisi called and got the information he needed - that he had to get together a crew and arrange for transportation.
“They wanted $1,700 for a van,” Joe said.
Campisi went to then-Councilmember Al Stabile, who “called the Logan Bus Company and asked to borrow a bus.”
The company did one better - they donated one.
When Joe asked for volunteers, he got a great response - six men and four women.
That first year the group went to donate physical labor, but Joe, a plumber by trade, soon realized that money was desperately needed in the area too. Each year he has gone back with his group of volunteers, he has raised money for the poor.
“I think people have come to realize what a fantastic ministry it is,” said his wife of 54 years, Gloria.
The couple, who has three sons, explained that, “they found God in our marriage and our lives,” and they want to give back to others, a value they have instilled in their three sons - all of whom still live in Howard Beach - two doctors and an engineer by profession.
One son collects for City Harvest, another, with his wife and children, cooks for the homeless. And one of the couple’s granddaughters spent this past summer counseling the mentally challenged.
“We tell our children, ‘We’re happy if you make enough money to live well, but don’t let it be your goal or God,’ ” said Gloria.
The Campisis are of deep faith, and, as Joe says, “St. James said, ‘Faith without good works is dead.’ ”
Of his time spent volunteering, he told The Courier, “It’s a great week. I love it.”
If you would like to help your fellow Americans who are in dire need, reach out to The Christian Appalachian Project, P.O. Box 511 / Lancaster, KY 40444-0511. Telephone: 859-792-3051; www.chrisapp.org. They need all levels of volunteers - from short- to long-term.
And if you’d like to be part of Joe’s team next year, call The Courier at 718-224-5863, ext. 204 or send an email to tcimino@queenscourier.com.