"Sponsor a Family" Christmas Appeal

Donate to Catholic Charities - help us brighten Christmas for others

Last year, because of your generous gift, food and monetary donations, we were able to host our second 'Family Apartment Christmas Party,' with good food, Santa, a magician, decorations, favors and forty plus very excited children. Santa left the North Pole early to attend. Staff volunteered their time to cook, to shop, to decorate and to transport families to and from the event. And the families made it an unforgettable evening.

The children of one family, in particular, epitomized the spirit of Christmas:

With volunteers driving the families from their apartments to the party destination, a mom with her three sons were in one car. It was almost 5pm and the boys ages 5, 8 and 9 were asked if they were hungry and looking forward to the party. The youngest boy responded “I’m starving.” His older brothers twisted in their seats to face him and responded immediately “No you are not, take that back.” “But I am starving” he said. Becoming more agitated his brothers shot back, “No you are not, you are just very hungry, just say you are very hungry.” Mom sat in the front listening to the boys debate the matter. “Okay I am very, very hungry.” “Who is starving?” they asked him. “Kids in African countries are starving, we are just hungry.” Satisfied with his response the older boys sat back in their seats. A few seconds later the “hungry” child stated “I wish I could go to those African countries and bring all the starving kids to America and we could feed them.”

 

What can you do this year?

It is a tough economic climate so this year we are soliciting donations of gift cards to assist the 21 families living in CCHO apartments. Gift cards in $25 denominations to local supermarkets or budget department stores will assist our moms in purchasing gifts for their children and in ensuring sufficient food for the holidays. Also toys and items of warm clothing are welcome and will be distributed on December 9th at the Christmas party.

Please contact the Housing Office at (518)459-0183 if you are interesting in sponsoring a family or making a donation.