Page 14 - Italian American Herald - December 2020

14 ITALIANAMERICANHERALD.COM | DECEMBER 2020 ITALIAN-AMERICANHERALD
LOCAL
In challenging times, UNICO bends but doesn’t break
UNICO member Monica Viana (left) and Delaware District Governor Maria Teresa Morrison.
By Maria Teresa Morrison
The year 2020 has been a worldwide challenge, but hasn’t stopped UNICO National and the local Delaware chapters from finding ways to continue to provide service to others and to promote and preserve Italian American Heritage.
On Jan. 16, an annual Italian Movie Night featured Checco Zalone in “Che Bella Giornata.” Members provided pizza, popcorn and other snacks.
A traditional Pasta Challenge was originally scheduled for Feb. 20. This event encourages members to prepare their favorite pasta dish to present for members to taste and choose a favorite. Winners are awarded a $100 gift certificate to the local restaurant of their choice.
This year, however, the February meeting/event was rescheduled and a successful Carnevale fund-raiser was held at the Salt Pond Community Center. The proceeds benefited the St. Vincent de Paul Society of St. Ann’s Parish, Bethany Beach.
The Zeppolo and Italian Baked Goods Sale, customarily held each March to celebrate St. Joseph’s Day and to support the St. Vincent de Paul Society of St. Edmond Parish and a collection of non-perishable food items for the hungry in Sussex County, had to be cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. However, food items were still donated and delivered to those in need.
In April, just before the homeless shelters were scheduled to close, UNICO members provided Easter baskets along with other needed items to the children and non-perishable food items to the parents, via Immanuel Shelter.
Many members provided hot meals to the homeless throughout the winter months and are
planning to do so again this year. Meals are prepared at home and distributed to shelters by volunteers. This 2020 -2021 project will be sponsored by Lighthouse for Broken Wings.
December always provided an opportunity to bring the Christmas spirit and home-baked goods to the residents of the Harbor Health Rehabilitation Center in Lewes, highlighted by a Christmas carol sing-along. Members of UNICO and singers from local choirs enjoy an afternoon of bringing smiles and nostalgia
to the residents and staff as they join in song. This year, although the project will have to be modified, because the facility is in lock-down, the residents will not be forgotten! Plans are being made to have cookies delivered to the rehab center from a local bakery to be shared by the residents and a Christmas sing-along CD to be piped over the PA system with staff encouraging them to join in singing the familiar songs.
In addition to charitable programs, UNICO is also dedicated to preserving our heritage, so each month members are sent Italian trivia quizzes via email. Free Italian lessons are also offered.
We look forward to 2021 and continuing these and additional outreach programs.
For more information about UNICO Delaware, email unicodelawaredistrict1@gmail.com.
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