SONS OF ITALY GIVE SEASONS’ JOY TO TAUNTON-AREA ADULTS WITH DISABILITIES
Photo #1: Carlos DeAvila, John McCaul, Bethany Gay, Joy DeAvila – Photo #2: OSIA Lodge #540 President Richard Simmons, John Uva – Photo#3: Jessica Dixon – Photo #4: Jessica Puccino
North Dighton — The Order of Sons of Italy in America® Peter B. Gay Lodge #540 proved that a worldwide pandemic does not deter them from their well-known generosity of spirit and service to the community.
This local chapter provided good cheer and a delicious holiday meal to members of CO-OP, a local non-profit agency supporting individuals with disabilities.
While the usual holiday party wasn’t possible this year, the Sons of Italy again teamed up with DeAvila’s Restaurant & Catering to provide a celebratory lunch for CO-OP individuals and staff, all delivered to homes by the Sons of Italy Christmas elves.
According to CO-OP President and CEO, Joyce Faria, “We are so grateful that this yearly tradition continued. All of us at CO-OP are moved by a willingness to adjust to our new normal of social distancing to keep everyone safe.
For the 15th consecutive year, The Columbia Cultural Trust and The Peter B. Gay Lodge gave us some holiday kindness and cheer.
We sincerely thank everyone involved, especially the many members of the Gay family (David, Bethany, Francis, Willie, and Cheryl), Lodge President Richard Simmons and family members Gil and Carol, John Uva, Louis Loura, Kathy Campanirio, Peter Nascimento, Carlos and Joy DeAvila, and Taunton Councilman John McCaul, affectionately known as our Biggest Elf. This act of kindness made many people happy.”
About CO-OP
CO-OP is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization supporting local citizens with disabilities in a variety of residential and day programs, employment supports, and clinical services. Founded in 1972 and currently serving approximately 450 individuals and family members in Southeastern Massachusetts, CO-OP’s mission focuses on individualized services and community participation. For more information, go to
THANK YOU.