QUEENS, New York — During the height of the coronavirus pandemic, New York City was the epicenter in the United States. As cases increased during the early months of 2020, people were also losing jobs and necessities, such as food. Although New York City has lifted restrictions concerning Covid-19, people continue to struggle to make ends meet.

With this in mind, the Iglesia Ni Cristo (INC) or Church Of Christ aims to provide a positive impact on individuals who have been greatly affected by the pandemic.

Through the INC’s Aid to Humanity outreach program, volunteers prepared and then delivered on October 31, 2020, a total of 1,000 care packages for the residents of Astoria Houses in Queens, New York. The care packages consisted of canned goods, face masks, gloves, and hand sanitizers.

Located in the Hallot’s Cove area in Queens with 22 residential buildings, Astoria Houses is one of the low-income developments of the New York City Housing Authority.

Claudia Coger, Astoria Houses Resident Association President, expressed her appreciation: “I am very excited because I didn’t expect so much. But I know that it’s a blessing from the Lord. And I’m just eternally grateful to the Church Of Christ for assisting us at this time.”

Under the leadership of INC Executive Minister Brother Eduardo V. Manalo, socio-civic projects, such as Aid to Humanity, aim to reach out to communities, especially to those lacking in resources and services in different parts of the world.

The Iglesia Ni Cristo (INC) or Church Of Christ has congregations in 158 countries and territories, and its members are from 147 races and nationalities worldwide. — Courtesy of INC Public Information Office