Fall River group helping to feed the hungry in the Azores

FALL RIVER — For Alda Moniz, the Azores are never far away.

She came to Fall River from Sao Miguel when she was 14. She returns to the Azores three or four times a year.

And she helps the less fortunate of that island through Irmao Solidario (Brothers in Solidarity), an organization dedicated to helping Sao Miguel’s poor and, soon, the poor of other islands in the Azores.

“We’re going to branch out to Flores,” said Moniz, a local realtor, naming another island in the Azores.

Normally, Irmao Solidario collects nonperishable food and clothing, and ships them to the Azores by freighter but this Easter will be a little different.

“It was difficult shipping this year because of the weather,” she said.

So, to provide Easter meal ingredients to the poor of Sao Miguel, Irmao Solidario is collecting cash. The money will travel to the Azores with a member, and groceries will be bought in Portugal.

“Throughout the year, we send nonperishable foods, clothing and medical supplies,” Moniz said.

Moniz said Azorean immigrants in Fall River area are eager to donate.

“We have so many Azorean immigrants here and they’re very generous,” she said. “They tend to donate to their hometown or village,” Moniz said. “They know the needs of the poor and the elderly.”

Moniz said there is need in the Azores, in part because the Portuguese economy is not doing well.

“Unemployment is very high there,” she said.

“We do something in every season,” she said, saying ingredients for Christmas meals are also assembled.

“And I hosted three doctors in my home,” Moniz said. “They came here to copy our hospice system. I’ve hosted filmmakers and writers from the Azores.”

“We have hundreds of people donating,” Moniz said.

The business community is pitching in, as well.

“Smiles Dental donated backpacks full of school supplies,” Moniz said. “St. Vincent DePaul got us 400 cases of adult diapers for a very good price.”

Moniz said jackets, coats, scarves and children’s clothing have been donated by Precision Sportswear and Aberdeen Manufacturing, both located in Fall River.

Irmao Solidario believes not only in helping the needy half an ocean away, but in the personal touch.

“Many people like to donate in the name of a deceased family member,” Moniz said.

Each batch of donations is accompanied by cards from individual donors.

“Columbia Travel is getting the cards sent over this time,” Moniz said.

There is a clear and constant connection between Fall River and the Azores and Irmao Solidario helps keep the connection strong.