Maternity home has secret Santa

Father Arthur Minichiello doesn’t quite know where to begin, as he recounts the events of this year - the fourth in the existence of his new life’s work, the Saint Fidelis Mother and Child Residence in College Point.
In his recently mailed newsletter, Minichiello announced that the only maternity shelter in Queens witnessed the birth of four babies this year, “Children who would not have been born but for our wonderful Residence.”
As wonderful as that is, the other announcement has its own special importance.
Once again, an anonymous donor has come forward with a “challenge.” They have pledged to match, dollar-for-dollar, every contribution to the Saint Fidelis Christmas appeal, up to $25,000 in total, as they did last year.
“This is exciting news,” Minichiello said. “We preach being pro-life, and it’s wonderful when someone puts their money where their mouth is.”
The priest admits to being humbled by his flock, explaining that the parish absorbs most of the costs of maintaining the residence for the approximately eight women, and “eight or nine” children who shelter there at any one time.
“This is really a home for them,” he said. “So much so that after they have their babies, some don’t want to leave,” he added.
“Often, when the families of the young girls come here and see them caring for their babies, they take them back in,” Minichiello said with a hint of satisfaction. “It’s wonderful.”
While he explained that they welcome other “Santas” donating toys and gifts for the young mothers and children at the residence, Minichiello is asking the community to make their cash donations between now and Christmas, when they will double in value.
“I have always felt it was the right thing to open the Residence in my community where everyone has been so generous,” he said, “But now I am asking everyone to join me by supporting these brave women in their tortuous journey through life.”
Anyone wishing to take advantage of the donation match can send a check payable to “Saint Fidelis Mother and Child Residence,” and mail it to them at 124-15 14th Avenue College Point, NY 11356. For more information, call 718-353-4749.