2026 Previous Bulletins | Sister Isaac Center

January 4, 2026

By the time you read this bulletin, I will have retired from the Sister Isaac Center. I retired from my first career with IBM in August of 2005. A month later, I attended a parish meeting to discuss how we, as a parish, could assist victims of Hurricane Katrina. After the meeting, I introduced myself to Sr Isaac; I knew of her and her work from a mutual friend (all 3 of us are quilters.) I mentioned to Sister that I had just retired and I was seeking volunteer opportunities. She invited me to come in the next day to have a look around. I did just that. I was so impressed with the ministry, I jumped right in as a volunteer that very day. First I helped sort clothes; a little while later, I helped fill food bags; it was a busy day and I was pulled to help interview and serve a guest. After the volunteers and guests all left, I stuck around and did some cleaning. By the end of the day, I knew I had found my new purpose. I was taken aback by the people we served that day – it gave me a close up view of the poverty that existed in our area – I honestly had no idea. My initial assignment was in housewares. I headed up the collection of housewares to send to New Orleans – we filled a moving van full of donations from our parishioners and sent it on its way! I then headed up the furniture ministry, arranging pickups from donors and plans to distribute to guests in need; I had a few other volunteers helping me with the planning, and I had four of our men volunteer to be drivers. We ‘hired’ some of our guests to help with the heavy lifting. (The helpers were compensated with a check made out towards their rent or a utility bill.) It was a great program that I eventually had to shut down as most of the drivers were getting too old to be carrying furniture!). I’ll always remember the day when one of our recipients ( a single dad who had custody of his boys due their mother’s drug problem) came to me and said his boys sent their thanks for the beds we delivered, which meant they didn’t have to sleep on the floor any more!

Day after day, many of our guests express their appreciation for the help they receive from us – whether it’s food, clothes, household goods, financial assistance or just taking time to listen to their woes with compassion and empathy.

In late 2016, SIster Isaac decided it was time to retire when she turned 80; as her board had discussions on trying to find a suitable replacement, I stepped up and offered to take on the challenge myself. I had been acting as her assistant for quite a while and I was familiar with all aspects of the job. I had shared the office with her so I was privy to all her interactions with guests, volunteers and donors.My main motivation was my desire to be sure her ministry was kept alive – and that happened with the help of our pastors, volunteers and donors. And, now that I’ve turned 78, it’s time for me to slow down.Earlier last year, I had asked Fr. T. to hire one of my volunteers, Theresa Weissburg, as an assistant director, with the thought she could be my replacement when the time came. . From the day she walked in to offer her services as a volunteer, she has been a shining star; I knew from the start she had the potential to follow in my footsteps. (I often refer to her as my mini-me; she has the same drive, passion and dedication to this place that I do.) So as I prepared to retire, I felt a great sense of relief that I was leaving the ministry in good hands with Theresa, our board of directors, all our wonderful volunteers and donors, and with Fr Jairo as one of our greatest supporters – I told him I call him our ‘PR guy’ as he does a great job of promoting our work: he often mentions us from the pulpit!).

Thank you to everyone who has been part of my journey; I’m very grateful that I have been blessed to serve for 20 years. Don’t be surprised if you see me on campus once in a while; volunteering is in my blood and I hope to continue serving the parish in any way I can.

Blessings,

Mary Ann

P.S. Please give Theresa your support to keep this unique ministry alive by keeping Sr. Isaac’s work going.

January 10/11, 2026

In the midst of our holiday projects, we were honored to receive a grant from a very generous organization. The Residents of Old Wilmington (ROW) had given us a grant in the Fall to be used to purchase protein for our guests. Recently, they presented The Sister Isaac Center with additional funds to help purchase additional much-needed food for our guests.

This added support allows us to further strengthen our food program by ensuring our guests have access to ample, nutritious food close to home—helping to ease stress and improve their day-to-day well-being. ROW has worked diligently with us to support food security for residents in our community, and their generosity will make a meaningful difference in the lives of those we serve. We are truly grateful.

In December, we were the recipients of hundreds of pairs of Bombas socks thanks to Steve Lambros at https://diamondcateringservices.com/ and Todd Deisler of https://brighterstarthealth.com/. Diamond Food Enterprises prides itself on its ties to the community; through its connection to the local Bombas distributor, it’s helped donate thousands of pairs of socks to local nonprofits. Thanks to Steve, our guests’ feet will be warm this winter season! And many thanks to Todd for making the connection for us!

The awareness of and commitment to the needs of our community shown by these two organizations is one of the many reasons Wilmington is such a wonderful place to live and do business. We are deeply grateful for their continued attention to the challenges facing our neighbors and sincerely thank them for their ongoing support and partnership.

TIME MARCHES ON:

As we enter 2026, we will celebrate our 40th year as an outreach program. As mentioned in last weekend’s column, I will be leading this incredible organization moving forward. Following in the footsteps of Sr. Isaac and Mary Ann Kotas, I recognize that I have very big shoes to fill—and I am deeply grateful for the foundation they have built.

I humbly ask that you keep me, our volunteers, and our guests in your prayers. May we continue to see the face of God in one another and in those we are privileged to serve.

If you ever have any questions, suggestions, or would like a tour, please stop by our office or call for a chat.

January 17/18, 2026

The Sister Isaac Center has been a successful and vital part of our community thanks to the generosity of our parishioners and the many local organizations that support our mission. No group has been more consistent in their support than Knights of Columbus Council 1074.

Ten months each year, the Knights organize a food drive at local grocery stores in Leland—typically Piggly Wiggly and Food Lion. One Saturday a month, for six hours at a time, Knights take turns standing outside the store, distributing flyers and collecting donated food as shoppers exit. On a typical Saturday, they collect more than 1,500 pounds of food, which is then loaded into their vehicles and delivered directly to the Sister Isaac Center.

Just imagine the effort involved in collecting, transporting, and unloading over 1,500 pounds of food—not to mention standing outdoors in hot, cold, and sometimes rainy weather.

Over the course of 2025 alone, the Knights collected an astounding 16,666 pounds of food!

In addition to food donations, the Knights also accept monetary donations during each drive, allowing us to purchase much-needed food items. In 2025, they collected more than $6,246 in monetary donations. They have also awarded the Sister Isaac Center two additional monetary grants specifically designated for food purchases.

We offer special thanks to Rich Boccard, the Knights’ food drive organizer and personnel scheduler extraordinaire!

We are deeply grateful to the Knights of Columbus Council 1074 for their extraordinary generosity and unwavering support of both the Sister Isaac Center and our local community. Please know that when you support parish organizations such as this one, your impact on the wider community is greater than you may ever realize.

On another note, this past week, one of our refrigerator/freezer units stopped working. While we were able to salvage the contents, we are now in need of a replacement. The current unit is a side by side 29.1 cubic foot unit. Any configuration would be usable; side by side or upper/lower. If you know of anyone who may have a unit in good condition that they are willing to part with, or have another resolution to our predicament, please let us know.

February 1, 2026

We recently had a visit from two members of the Rev. J. Douglas Lawson Division of the Ancient Order of Hibernians (AOH), the oldest ethnic Catholic organization in the United States. President Bob Clune and Treasurer James O’Reilly (pictured) presented us with a very generous donation to be used to assist our guests in whatever ways are most needed.

During their visit, they were given a tour of the Center by one of our volunteers and were truly impressed by its size and organization. We are deeply grateful to the local AOH for their ongoing generosity, which reflects their longstanding motto of Friendship, Unity, and Christian Charity.

The Sister Isaac Center operates smoothly thanks to the dedication of our 141 volunteers. Two individuals who have gone above and beyond in their commitment to the betterment of the Wilmington community are Bob Diehl and Patty Williams (pictured).

Bob and Patty each volunteer three to four days per week. Bob is responsible for documenting the monthly data we submit to the NC Food Bank, while Patty works one-on-one with our walk-in guests three days a week. Both approach their roles with genuine love and care.

Patty is known for her empathy and attentive listening, while Bob is recognized by many guests for his warm smile (and the peppermints he offers as they leave the Center)! We truly could not operate without them. Bob and Patty embody the true meaning of selfless service, and our organization is stronger because of their dedication. We cannot thank them enough for all that they do. (You may also recognize Patty as a frequent lector at Mass at St. Mary’s)

February 8, 2026

To honor Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s commitment to service, several St. Mary School students and their families came together to prepare lunches for the Sister Isaac Center’s guests. Each bag included a sandwich, a piece of fresh fruit, a snack, water, and a handmade note written by the students.

We—and our guests—are so grateful to these students for spending part of their day off (when they could have slept in!) making the community a little brighter for their neighbors. They truly showed love through their actions.

We recently assisted a young woman named Jada, who came to us through the Salvation Army Center of Hope shelter. Jada and her three children had been living there for four months after fleeing a domestic violence situation. More than just a shelter, the Center of Hope is a transitional program—a place where individuals can learn, grow, and find their independence. With expanded life-skills training, access to social services, and nightly community meals, the Center is designed to help residents rebuild their lives with stability and hope.

Although Jada is legally deaf and eligible for full disability benefits, she was determined to work. The Salvation Army helped her get back on her feet by applying for the benefits she was entitled to and securing a reasonably priced apartment. Jada saved enough for the security deposit and received the keys to her new home, but an outstanding electric bill made her ineligible for service. That bill was the only thing standing between Jada and moving forward.

We were able to step in, pay the bill, and help Jada and her children move ahead. To top it all off, Jada was thrilled to learn that even while receiving disability benefits, she is allowed to work up to ten hours a week. Shortly after moving into her new apartment, Jada stopped by our office to share how thankful she was for the help she received and for the fresh start it provided.

There are so many people in need of assistance, and we are deeply grateful to have been part of this one family’s journey forward.

February 15, 2026

During the recent cold snap, a guest called us asking if we had an electric heater available. The heat in his home had been shut off due to an unpaid bill, and he was spending his days at the library, a day shelter, and anywhere else he could find warmth.

Unexpectedly, he learned he would need surgery, which would leave him homebound for at least three weeks. As we spoke with him and looked into his situation, we discovered that once his past-due balance was paid, his heat could be turned back on. The amount of the outstanding bill? Just $112.

We were able to arrange payment, restoring heat to his home before his surgery. He was absolutely flabbergasted—and deeply grateful—that we were able to help. Quite frankly, we were flabbergasted too, that what many of us may consider a small amount of money could make such a life-changing difference.

We all walk different paths and frame our experiences through different lenses. We are deeply grateful for each and every donation we receive—because when those gifts come together, they can mean the difference between someone being out in the cold or being kept warm.

Stations of the Cross

Every Friday evening during Lent, the Basilica hosts Soup and Stations during which we gather to feast on meatless soups then head to the Basilica to say the Stations of the Cross. The Stations are a powerful way to encounter Jesus like never before as we follow his path from condemnation to crucifixion. The Sister Isaac Center traditionally provides the soup for the first Friday, this year Friday, February 20th. Please join us at 6pm in the school cafeteria for some delicious soups made by our volunteers (you know they’re great cooks–do excellent meatballs come to mind?!). We will then head over to the Basilica for 7pm Stations. It’s a lovely Lenten tradition. Please join us.–

February 22, 2026

As ever, the local business community has stepped up to help our Center. Stevens Ace Hardware, with locations on Market Street and Dawson Street, provided a number of electric heaters to us at a deeply discounted price. This act of kindness has helped us support the needs of our guests as we all navigated the terribly cold weather these past two months.

Many thanks to Joey Stevens and his staff at Stevens Ace Hardware. Shop local!

St. Mary students, parents, and staff were at it again! During Catholic Schools Week, they took on a service project that truly made a difference for our guests. This year, they collected socks—and when we say they collected socks, we mean over 260 pairs! They didn’t stop there. The socks were thoughtfully sorted by category, including patterned, fuzzy, and unisex. Our guests have been delighted by the variety, with the fuzzy pairs being a particular favorite. Thank you to the St. Mary families and staff for making life a little brighter for our neighbors!

And finally, we received a donation this past week that was met with great joy by our guests. A thoughtful donor put together three “Birthday Box” cake kits. Each set included a cake mix, a can of Sprite (which replaces the eggs, oil, and water typically needed), a can of frosting, and a whisk. Everything was carefully placed inside a foil cake pan, complete with a full set of written instructions. Not only were our volunteers tickled by the creativity of this gift, but our guests were absolutely thrilled. What a sweet way to help someone celebrate their special day! Thank you, Donor!

March 1, 2026

A few weeks ago, a student named Ava reached out to us on behalf of her club at Hoggard High School called HeartFelt Words. The students partnered with middle and elementary schoolers at St Mark’s to create beautiful Valentine’s Day cards for our guests and volunteers.

These thoughtful cards were filled not only with colorful artwork, but also with heartfelt messages of encouragement and appreciation — many especially recognizing our dedicated volunteers. Our volunteers were deeply touched by the kindness expressed in these notes.

As Luke so beautifully reminds us through his loving words, we are all called to know God’s love and compassion. During this Lenten season, may we strive to love and serve with hearts like Luke’s.

March 8, 2026

You may have seen in the media over the past few weeks a great deal of information regarding assistance for our homeless population. This winter has been especially brutal for our neighbors experiencing homelessness. When temperatures drop below 30 degrees for consecutive nights, people often end up in emergency rooms — or worse.

The Warming Shelter (https://thewarmingshelterilm.com/) operated a temporary pop-up shelter to provide a warm bed and meals during these dangerously cold stretches. Living Hope Day Center (https://livinghopeilm.com/) offers a safe place during the day where individuals can find shelter, lunch, and much-needed respite. The services these organizations provide are vital to the health and safety of our community.

While these nonprofits serve those who are currently unhoused, many organizations are also working to reduce the incidence of homelessness. Over the next few weeks, I will be attending meetings with several area nonprofit agencies. Cape Fear Homeless Continuum of Care (https://capefearcog.org/homeless-services/) is a community-wide alliance of service providers who share a common goal: to make homelessness rare, brief, and non-recurring. The purpose of this meeting is to better understand what resources are available, which agencies provide specific services, and where gaps may exist in helping people secure stable housing.

Another critical aspect of this issue is helping people remain housed. This is where The Sister Isaac Center often steps in. Many of our guests come to us facing eviction notices, requiring swift action to prevent displacement. While one agency alone may not have the financial resources to resolve an entire crisis, by working together we can help individuals and families maintain stable housing.

The Harrelson Center (https://harrelsoncenter.org/) is currently forming a coalition of nonprofit emergency aid agencies to determine how we can best serve our neighbors and collaborate more effectively to promote housing stability.

These efforts to strengthen partnerships are vital to our community’s health, economic stability, and overall well-being.

Stay tuned.

Today: Let’s be grateful for what we have.

Need of the week: Hygiene items–bar soap, toothpaste, shampoo, conditioner, deodorant. Items can be placed in the white basket in the church vestibule.

March 15, 2026

Over the past few months, we have been following many local nonprofits on social media, particularly Facebook and Instagram, and it has become clear how important and effective these platforms can be for communication.

During the coldest winter nights, the Warming Shelter and Living Hope Day Shelter have used social media to put out calls for needed items and volunteers, and the response has been swift and generous. The Harrelson Center, a consortium of more than 20 nonprofits housed in one building, regularly shares updates about its ongoing activities. Good Shepherd Shelter has also successfully used these platforms to reach the community. And, as many of you may have noticed, our beloved Basilica has increased its online visibility as a wonderful way to inform, engage, and support discipleship.

While some people have concerns about the misuse of social media, when used thoughtfully and with purpose it can be a powerful tool to increase visibility and help advance a mission.

The Sister Isaac Center does have a Facebook page, but it is not regularly updated. We are currently searching for the right person to volunteer their time to help us strengthen our social media presence and share the mission of making life a little better for those in our community.

Might you be that person?

After an initial in-person meeting, this role could easily be done remotely. Even a small amount of time and creativity could help us tell the story of the incredible work being done at the Sister Isaac Center.

Please let me know if you might be able to help, or if you know someone who would be interested. Theresa 845-781-0347

Today: Let’s remember that our faith is a gift

Upcoming Events:

March 30th – April 6. We will be closed for our Easter spring break. Please hold all donations until we reopen on Tuesday April 7th.

April 18th – Pasta for a Purpose Annual Fundraiser

Need of the week: Umbrellas and men’s sweatshirts

March 22, 2026

March 29, 2026

Last week, I was invited to speak at the monthly meeting of the newly formed Cape Fear Sons and Daughters of Italy Lodge 3022.

With more than 50 people in attendance,the evening was filled with community, tradition, and incredible energy as they gathered to honor St. Joseph and celebrate their Italian heritage. Their generous members donated canned goods, pasta, cereal, and much more for our guests. A truly heartfelt thank you to everyone who contributed and who welcomed me with open arms; what a loving group of people! Your generosity truly reflects the spirit of service and charity that St. Joseph’s Day represents.

If you are interested in learning more about this dynamic organization, please contact capefearosdia3022@gmail.com or visit their Facebook page Cape Fear Sons and Daughters of Italy Lodge #3022

Upcoming Fundraiser–Pasta for a Purpose– Saturday April 18, 4pm – 8:30pm Please see flyer in this bulletin.

Please note we will be closed this week from Monday, March 30 through April 6th. We will reopen on Tuesday April 7th. Please hold all material donations until we reopen.

April 5, 2026

While we often experience tears as a sign of sadness or despair, sometimes they reflect relief, gratitude, and even joy.

Lula has been a guest of The Sister Isaac Center for many years. At 87 years old, she visits us two to three times each year for help with food, cleaning supplies, and other everyday necessities. What we love most about Lula is her joyful spirit. Despite what we know has been a difficult life, she always greets us with a warm smile and a kind word.

Last week, Lula came in—still smiling, but clearly distressed. Due to expenses from a recent medical issue, she had been unable to pay her energy bill and had received a disconnect notice—her first ever. She couldn’t imagine facing days without lights, heat, or a way to cook.

The amount she owed was more than we typically cover, but we couldn’t bear the thought of her having to go from agency to agency seeking help. Thanks to the generosity of our donors, we were able to step in and pay her bill in full. Tears flowed freely – hers and ours alike.

Moments like these remind us why we do what we do—and how powerful compassion can be. A very Happy Easter to all!

April 12, 2026

The Knights of Columbus Council 1074 are an incredibly positive presence on our St. Mary campus. We see them in the mornings welcoming families as students arrive for school, and both in and outside of Mass raising funds for a variety of charitable organizations. (Their yellow shirts are quite distinctive!). Their outreach extends throughout the year—they support Special Olympics in the fall, organize coat drives to keep our community warm in the winter, and host a monthly food drive at a local grocery store.

In March, during their food drive at Piggly Wiggly in Leland, they collected an impressive 1,631 pounds of food, 29 pounds of chopped meat, and $900 in donations. Collecting, loading, and transporting such a large amount requires many willing hands.

We are deeply grateful to the Knights—and their spouses—who are an integral part of our Basilica family. Through their selfless acts of service, they truly make our community a better place to live.

For more information, please visit their website: https://uknight.org/CouncilSite/index.asp?CNO=1074

40th Anniversary Celebration!

We are celebrating our 40th year of service to the community and we need your help! Do you have pictures of the Tileston Building undergoing its renovation and updates over the years? And maybe pictures of volunteers? Perhaps a story or two about the growth (or growing pains!) of this ministry? And maybe a picture or two of Sister Isaac? We’d love to hear from you. Contact our office or stop by for a chat.

We are planning a celebration to be held in September. Stay tuned!

April 19, 2026

Based on the generous support we’ve recently received, it’s clear that the Sister Isaac Center is deeply supported by both our parish and the wider community.

Not long ago, a donor delivered three very large bags of brand-new clothing, thoughtfully collected over a short period whenever items were on sale. While most of the clothing we provide to our guests is gently used, it’s especially meaningful to be able to offer brand-new items as well.

We were also delighted when a leader from local Girl Scout Troop 444 brought in a large number of birthday boxes created by her troop for the community. What a wonderful and meaningful way to teach the girls about serving others—and to remind us all how important it is that everyone has the opportunity to celebrate their birthday with a cake.

We are incredibly grateful for the creativity, kindness, and generosity of all who support our mission.

40th Anniversary Celebration!

We are planning a celebration to be held in September. Stay tuned!

April 26, 2026

Through the efforts of The Salvation Army Center of Hope and other local nonprofits, many of our neighbors experiencing homelessness have recently transitioned into stable housing. This is an incredible step forward—but it also brings a new challenge.

When families become homeless, they often have to leave their belongings behind. As they move into new homes, they are starting over with very little. That’s where The Sister Isaac Center steps in—providing new and gently used household essentials to help families rebuild.

Right now, due to the growing number of individuals and families moving into housing, we are in urgent need of new and / or gently used donations, including:

Sheets (all sizes)
Towels and washcloths
Blankets and pillows
Small appliances (coffee makers, countertop microwaves, electric grills, air fryers, blenders)
Pots and pans
Utensils (forks, knives, spoons, can openers)
Drinking glasses (no stemware, please)
Dishes

Donation Drop-Off Information:

Donations can be dropped off on the 5th Street side of the Tileston Building, Monday through Thursday, from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. If these times are not convenient, arrangements can be made for drop-off at other times.

Your donations can make a house feel like a home. Every item helps a family take the next step toward stability and dignity.

Thank you for supporting our community!

May 3, 2026

“Best meatball I ever had; and I know meatballs!”, said Phylllis from Brooklyn, NY. We had a fantastic turnout and a wonderful evening celebrating community during our recent Pasta for a Purpose fundraiser. So many thanks to all the volunteers who graciously gave of their time and all the diners who came out to support us. Very special thanks to Miss Vicki, (Cafeteria Manager extraordinaire), Linda, (Head Chef), and Marie, (Decorating Wizard), who gathered a team and transformed the cafeteria!

The funds raised will be used to assist our guests with rent, utilities, medical co-pays, car insurance, car repairs, and more. We are humbled by your support.

The raffle winners are below:

50/50 raffle winner– $150–Ed Vogeley

Lottery Tree winner #1 Jim Murtagh

Lottery Tree winner # 2 Toni Everson

Congratulations to all!

May 10, 2026

“I just need a roof.”

Those were the words shared by a mother who recently fled a domestic violence situation with her five children. In the urgency to get her family somewhere safe, she rented the first apartment she could find. Three months later, the rent doubled. Only then did she realize she had agreed to a month-to-month lease.

With no way to afford the increase, she and her children are now living in their car.

When child support comes through, she uses it to rent a hotel room for a few nights—just long enough for her children to take a “good shower and get a full night’s sleep”. The rest of the time, they wait. She is currently on housing waiting lists in three counties, hoping for an opening.

In the midst of this, there was another looming crisis: the loss of everything they own. Their belongings, stored in a unit, were at risk of being auctioned off. Thanks to the support of our wonderful donors, we were able to step in. The current month and an additional month were covered, giving her family a small but meaningful reprieve—time to breathe, and one less burden to carry.

She told us, “I have good kids. If I could just get even a one-bedroom apartment, we will make it work.”

Her story is a sobering reminder that homelessness is not always the result of long-term circumstances. Sometimes, it begins with a single moment—a decision made quickly in the face of danger. For families like hers, stability can unravel in a matter of weeks.

But it is also a reminder of what community can do. Small acts of compassion can interrupt a downward spiral. A single intervention can preserve dignity, protect what little someone has left, and create space for hope.

Because sometimes, the most urgent need is also the most basic:

A roof.

May 17, 2026

Imagine choosing between paying rent or picking up your prescription. For many seniors, that’s not a hypothetical—it’s a real Tuesday.

Fixed incomes don’t stretch the way they used to. A spike in utility bills, an unexpected car repair, or a new medical expense can quickly force impossible choices. And too often, those choices come down to the essentials: housing, health, and basic stability.

That’s why we are deeply grateful to the Catherine Kennedy Home Foundation for their generous and continued support. Their recent grant will help our senior guests cover critical needs like rent, utilities, medical costs, and car repairs—the very things that keep daily life steady and manageable.

We are especially thankful to have been a recipient of this grant for many years. That consistency matters. It allows us to respond not just in moments of crisis, but in ways that prevent crises from happening in the first place.

Last year alone, this funding helped us go the extra mile for more than 150 seniors in our community. Behind that number are individuals who were able to stay in their homes, keep the lights on, access needed medications, and maintain their independence with dignity.

To the Catherine Kennedy Home Foundation: thank you for showing up, year after year, in such a meaningful and impactful way. Your partnership makes a tangible difference in the lives of those we serve.

Because no one should have to choose between a place to live and the care they need to stay well.

May 24, 2026

Thank you to all who heard the call and donated non-perishable items during our Share Sunday weekend.

We are excited to announce our 40th Anniversary Celebration and Fundraiser, honoring our past, celebrating our present, and investing in our future.

It will be held on Friday, September 25, 2026 from 5:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. in the Upper Room.

For the past 40 years, we have remained committed to serving our community through programs that provide resources, support, and hope to individuals and families. This milestone event will celebrate the impact we have made together while helping us raise essential funds to continue and expand our mission for years to come.

As part of this celebration, we will hold both a live and silent auction, and we are currently seeking donated auction items.

Do you have a vacation home you would be willing to offer for a weeklong getaway? Perhaps you have a connection at a golf course that could provide a round of golf for four, know a personal chef who might donate a private culinary evening for friends, or a photographer willing to contribute a family portrait package.

We welcome these ideas and many more. Gift certificates, services, unique experiences, event tickets, travel packages, dining opportunities, and merchandise all make wonderful auction items and will help make our event a success and allow us to continue to serve our neighbors. Contact Theresa at 845-781-0347.

As ever, we thank you for allowing The Sister Isaac Center to be the vessel through which your generosity continues to make a meaningful difference in the lives of those we serve.

Need of the week: blankets

May 31, 2026

This past week, a guest came in requesting rental assistance. He has been living in a recovery house for the past six months while working hard to overcome alcohol addiction. Recently, his work hours were cut, leaving him unable to cover the $150 weekly rent payment required to stay in the house. He was deeply worried that he would be asked to leave because of nonpayment. More than anything, he feared becoming homeless and, in his words, “falling into the pit again.”

He shared that he has been faithfully attending his recovery meetings and is doing better than he ever has in his life. Thanks to the generosity of our donors, we were able to help him get current on his rent and relieve one major burden during a very vulnerable time.

We often meet guests facing situations like this, and this work is especially meaningful to me personally. Five years ago, my brother passed away due to alcohol addiction. Because of that experience, I understand how important stability and support can be for someone fighting to rebuild their life.

At The Sister Isaac Center, we do our best to help remove at least one stressor — whether it is rent, utilities, or a medical bill — so that our guests can focus on healing and moving forward.

We are grateful for the wonderful recovery houses in the Wilmington area that are doing life-changing work every day to support people on their journey to recovery. We are also especially grateful to our donors, whose generosity helps make people’s lives better and provides hope during some of their most difficult moments.

June 7, 2026

For those of us lucky enough to have access to reliable transportation, getting to work, the grocery store, medical appointments, and other daily necessities is relatively easy. Unfortunately, a large segment of our community lacks reliable transportation options.

A gentleman recently came to us facing this very challenge. His work hours had been cut from 35 hours a week to just 20, leaving him unable to cover his bills. Thankfully, he was able to find another job fairly quickly. However, while his former job was located along a bus route, his new job was not accessible by public transportation.

He came to us asking for a bicycle. He had already mapped out a safe route that avoided busy highways and had even secured a helmet on his own. We were grateful to be able to provide him with a bicycle, along with a brand-new bike lock thanks to Two Wheeler Dealer (https://www.bikesarefun.com/).

Owner Jim Mincher has partnered with us for many years by repairing donated bicycles and donating bikes he is unable to use in his shop. Jim has been an invaluable resource to both our organization and our guests, and we are deeply thankful for his continued partnership and generosity.

If you are in the market for a bicycle or simply want to learn more about biking in the Wilmington area, be sure to stop by Two Wheeler Dealer at 4408 Wrightsville Avenue. Jim and his knowledgeable staff are always willing to answer questions and share insight into the local biking community. And don’t forget to mention that The Sister Isaac Center sent you!

As an aside, we are always in need of gently used bicycles. If you have one sitting unused in your garage, please consider donating it to The Sister Isaac Center. A donated bike can truly change someone’s life by helping them get to work, medical appointments, grocery stores, and other essential destinations.

June 14, 2026

On June 4, the second-grade class at St. Mary’s shared a special project they had been working on for quite some time. As part of their lessons on the Spiritual and Corporal Works of Mercy, the students planted flower seeds and lettuce seeds. By caring for the plants and watching them grow, they gained a deeper understanding of what it means to Feed the Hungry and Comfort the Afflicted.

The fruits of their labor were truly wonderful, as you can see in the photos. The students generously shared butter lettuce and beautiful flowering marigold plants with our guests, who were delighted by both the gifts and the kindness behind them.

During their visit, the students also toured our center and learned about other ways they can help people in need in their community. It was a meaningful experience for everyone involved.

Many thanks to their teacher, Ms. Lowery, for inspiring this project and helping her students put their faith into action through compassion, generosity, and service to others.

June 21, 2026

The Knights of Columbus Council 1074 and Leland Food Lion customers have worked their magic again! Their recent food drive collected 1,434 pounds of food and more than $600. We are so grateful for the time they spend each month to help us feed our community.

Another wonderful Basilica ministry working their magic is The Catholic Daughters of the Americas. They understand that cleaning products are a necessary household item but they can be very expensive. Their recent collection resulted in products that will be distributed to over 50 families. Talk about impact!

Many thanks to these two organizations for their awareness of community need and their willingness to go above and beyond to support our neighbors.

We’ve been able to continue our work for 40 years thanks to them.

Need of the week: new and gently used bath towels and washcloths.

June 28, 2026

Last week, a guest came to The Sister Isaac Center feeling a little stressed. She had recently been offered a job and was excited to begin work the following Monday. There was just one problem—she needed a set of XL scrubs before her first day, and purchasing them was beyond her budget.

Although we didn’t have scrubs in her size, we provided her with a Walmart gift card so she could purchase exactly what she needed. The relief on her face was immediate, and she was incredibly grateful.

As she left, she told us she planned to stop back and let us know how her new job was going.

That simple comment meant so much to us. It reflected something deeper than gratitude—it showed that she felt genuinely cared for. The loving concern our volunteers show each guest, day after day, creates relationships built on trust, dignity, and compassion. She knew she wasn’t just another person asking for help; she knew people here truly cared about her success and her well-being.

Sometimes, helping someone isn’t just about providing a gift card or meeting an immediate need. It’s about reminding them that they are seen, valued, and supported. We look forward to hearing all about her new job and celebrating this exciting new chapter with her.