Telegraph file photo Volunteers prepare to assist Corpus Christi clients with turkey and other food for Thanksgiving at a recent distribution day. This year's distribution took place Saturday. (Telegraph file photo)

NASHUA — Corpus Christi Food Pantry & Assistance, the Nashua-based agency that provides food, financial and other assistance, is one of several local organizations selected recently to receive a grant from the Bishop’s Charitable Assistance Fund.

Corpus Christi, at 3 Crown St., plans to utilize the grant funds to support individuals housed in the agency’s Transitional and Sober Living programs, according to Susan Dignan, Corpus Christi’s assistance director who is handling the distribution of the funds.

“We are proud to be part of this important role, partnering with agencies in Nashua to provide the critical support necessary for successful recovery,” Dignan said, referring to the programs.

The news that the agency was named one of this year’s grant recipients came as Corpus Christi was organizing its annual Thanksgiving meal distribution program for its clients.

Distribution of the meals, which took place Saturday, included frozen turkeys, butter, fresh vegetables and various non-perishable foods.

Also featured on distribution day was the popular Christmas bazaar tables, where clients could select festive decorations in preparation of the holiday season.

The Bishop’s Charitable Assistance Fund distributes such grants annually to tax-exempt organizations “without regard to (their) religious affiliation,” according to a BCAF statement.

The grants are directed to “projects that help people in New Hampshire meet their basic needs,” and are presented to “any organization in New Hampshire whose mission is consistent with the teachings of the Roman Catholic Church,” according to the statement.

The fund is operated by volunteer lay men and women, who raise money for the fund through the solicitation of individuals, businesses and philanthropic organizations, also make recommendations for recipients to the Bishop.

In addition to Corpus Christi, the following agencies received a grant from the Bishop’s Charitable Assistance Fund.

* Family Promise of Southern New Hampshire, based in Nashua

* Home, Health & Hospice Care, Merrimack

* New Hampshire Breast Cancer Coalition, Hudson

* SHARE Outreach, Milford

* Friends of Recovery NH, Manchester

* International Institute of New England, Manchester

* Webster House, Manchester

* Union Leader Santa Fund, statewide

* The Upper Room, Derry

* The Belknap House, Laconia

Dean Shalhoup may be reached at 594-1256 or dshalhoup@nashuatelegraph.com.