Catholic Charities' Christmas Giving Assists 358 Youngsters
For 29 years – since the 1987 Advent season – Catholic Charities’ Christmas Giving Program has made it possible for needy children to smile on Christmas morning – and for parents to keep hope alive as they struggle through hard times.
This year, Catholic Charities assisted 358 needy children by facilitating the adoption of 133 families who faced the prospects of a Christmas without gifts. Community Outreach Coordinator Laura Chandley said that 75 donors – a combination of small groups, churches, individual families and businesses - received wish lists that Catholic Charities obtained from those in need.
The adopting groups bought and wrapped gifts, and delivered them to the Catholic Center Dec. 14-15. Families picked up their gifts Dec. 16-17.
Students from St. Benedict Cathedral School volunteered Dec. 15-16. On Dec. 15, 22 students helped organize and prepare the donated gifts for delivery. On Dec. 16, another 22 students helped with package delivery and staffed a “freebies” table with additional donation of clothing and other items. Each family picking up gifts was able to select up to two items from the table.
Catholic Charities also accepted donations of gift cards that will be used to assist families who face emergency needs (e.g., food, gasoline, etc.) over the Christmas season.
Chandley said Catholic Charities partnered with the Indiana Department of Children’s Services and organizations like Healthy Family and Parenting Time Center for the 2015 program.
Contact Chandley at Catholic Charities (812-423-5456 or email lchandley@evdio.org) for information on being a part of the 2016 Christmas Giving Program.
