Catholic Charities Giving Provides Christmas Blessings

The cold wind couldn’t keep the smiles off the faces of the students helping unload packages from the vehicles at the Catholic Center.  Students from St. Benedict School in Evansville volunteered on Dec. 13 and 14, helping to unload, sort, label and deliver gifts for the Catholic Charities’ Christmas Giving Program, despite the chill in the air.

Donors delivered wrapped gifts to the Catholic Center on Dec. 12-13, while families picked up their gifts Dec. 14-15.   The annual program provides gifts and necessities for more than 570 individuals, 372 of whom are children.

The feeling of accomplishment and joy that comes from volunteering was not lost on the students. “It’s more educational than other field trips we’ve been on,” said eighth-grader Riley Shaw.  She and her classmates expressed how nice and grateful everyone had been, and how satisfying it is to know that they helped brighten someone’s day.  

    During their down time, the eighth graders created Christmas cards to add to the packages for the recipients.  Recipients of the gifts had the opportunity to write their own messages of thanks for the generosity shown to them.  One grateful individual wrote, “God sent you as his helper and we really appreciate everything you have done for us.”  

Emma Tempco, Aryiana Swope and Rachel Goodall said that the project helped kids have a special Christmas who might not any other way.  They enjoyed seeing the smiles on the recipients’ faces and knowing that they are helping give kids a very special Christmas.

“It’s always good to help people,” Goodall said.

For more information on how to help at Christmas and year round, contact Catholic Charities at 812-423-5456.

Since 1987, the Catholic Charities’ Christmas Giving Program has assisted thousands of families who face spending Christmas without gifts or hope.  This year 77 donors  provided gifts, clothing and gift cards to be used for emergency needs (e.g. food, gasoline, etc.) for the following:

• 134 families served

• 372 children served

• 571 total # of individuals served

Catholic Charities pairs with Youth First, Healthy Families, Parenting Time Center and the Warrick County Department of Child Services for help in selecting those families most in need, as well as collaborating with United Way to serve as many individuals as possible during the Christmas season.