For decades, there has been poverty, hunger, and lack of education in Haiti. Father Thomas “Tom” Donohoe made a lifelong commitment to helping the children of Haiti. Even after his death in 2012, his legacy continues to make a profound difference in the lives of many children.

On this brand new episode of Family Comes First™, It Started With Pennies, we are joined by Nicole Memnon and Greg Gengo. Nicole was approached by Father Tom in the 1990s to aid in arranging a connection between the children in his parish and the children in Haiti.

Nicole explains how his mission started with pennies. The children of the parish would bring in pennies during Lent to give to the children in Haiti. Father Tom believed connecting the children was so important. Nicole states, “…In every child, he saw the face of God. He always spoke about Matthew 25: when I was hungry, you fed me and you visited me.”

Greg explains the donation process and how they were able to provide not only money for the children in Haiti but clothes, hygiene products, food, etc.—things we take for granted.

Also joining us on the show is Marie Elena Puma of Russo Law Group, P.C. Marie Elena discusses charitable gift giving and how Father Tom did advanced planning in the form of a trust to carry out his life legacy and work, even after he passed.

As Vincent J. Russo states on the show, “We need to constantly remind ourselves of the tremendous needs that exist in this world.” Join us for this inspirational show, “It Started With Pennies,” on Telecare this Monday, May 23, 2016, at 1:30 pm.

Family Comes First™ episodes will also air on Wednesdays at 9:30 am & 10:30 pm, and Thursdays at 1:30 pm.

Family Comes First™ airs exclusively on Telecare TV – Cablevision Channels 29 and 137, Time Warner channels 106 (Manhattan), 471 (Queens) or Verizon FiOS TV Channel 296. For more on Family Comes First™, please follow us on Facebook or visit our Family Comes First website.