Congratulations! This year there was an increase in Hibernian Hunger Project (HHP) Applications received as compared to previous years. We can attribute this directly to the work done by our Hibernian Hunger Project State Chairmen, who encouraged divisions in their states to file a hunger application. At the same time, we want to thank those divisions who submitted HHP Applications for the work done by them in 2024. We still have a long way to go to have all divisions on board to appoint a Division Hunger Chairman, as well as submit a HHP application, but we are making progress each year.
On Monday, February 3, we held our second Zoom meeting with the HHP State Chairmen along with many of our national officers. Discussion centered on encouraging the state chairmen to contact divisions in their states to submit their hunger grant applications, as well as encouraging division presidents to appoint a hunger chairman. The data from the HHP applications may be beneficial when the AOH National Board applies for grants, since this information might impact the decision on the grant. The next HHP State Chairmen Zoom meeting will be held on Monday, May 5.
As evidenced by the HHP applications received, divisions are addressing hunger in their communities in a multitude of ways. Due to the generosity of our members, 29 divisions received grants for their 2024 hunger projects. Due to the numerous first-class projects submitted, the HHP committee found the judging very difficult, but after much thought and discussion, decided on the five divisions who would receive $1,000 grants, and the 24 division who would receive $500 awards.
Divisions selected to receive $1,000 grants were: Division 1, Allegheny County, PA; Division 87, Port Richmond, Philadelphia, PA; the Father John Lynch Division, Roanoke, VA; Division 1, Saratoga Springs, NY; and Division 1, of Sarpy County, NE.
Divisions selected to receive $500 awards were: Division 2, Carbondale, PA; Division 2, South Amboy, NJ; Division 1, Columbus, OH; Division 1, Buck’s County, PA; Division 2, Babylon, NY; Division 2, Middletown, NJ; Division 1, Watertown NY; Division 1, Guilford County, NC; Division 3, Fairfax, VA; Division 1, Watervliet, NY; Division 1, Binghamton, NY; Division 3, Silver Springs, MD; Division 5, Buck’s County, PA; Division 1, St Charles County, MO; Division 1, Omaha, NE; Division 39, Philadelphia County, PA; Division 1, Holyoke, MA; Division 2, Cape May County, NJ; Division 32, Cook County, Il; Division 1, Manchester, NH; Division 1, Helena MT; Division 1, Cambria County, PA; Division 1, Lucas County, OH; and Division 2, St Louis, MO. In future Hibernian Digest articles, we will report on how these Divisions addressed hunger in their communities.
Tim Myles of Nassau County, NY, initiated a successful hunger project on his own, where customers of local businesses could purchase a paper shamrock and write their name on it for a nominal charge. The business would then display the shamrock for other patrons to see. All monies collected from this activity were donated to local food pantries in the New York area. This is certainly an idea that a division could utilize as their hunger project.
The next round of Hibernian Hunger Project Awards will cover Division Hunger Projects that will take place between January 1 – December 31, 2025. If your division has not already begun planning a hunger project, now might just be the time to do so!
Please feel free to contact me with any concerns, comments or your questions. I look forward to hearing from you! My email address is: williamjsullivan@verizon.net