By Daniel Payne
CNA Staff, Dec 25, 2024 / 06:00 am
Christmas is a time for giving, and multiple Catholic groups and organizations have stepped up this year to spread joy by collecting and distributing presents to children and families in need. These initiatives, some of which have become long-standing traditions, ensure that even those without means can experience the magic of Christmas morning.
One such initiative is led by Father Greg Fluet, the vice president for mission and ministry at Mount Saint Mary College (MSMC) in Newburgh, New York. The school organizes a student-driven gift program that distributes hundreds of toys every year to children in need.
“It’s something that we strongly believe at MSMC, that no child should be without a toy at Christmastime,” Father Fluet emphasized. The school collected over 800 toys this year, which were donated to Catholic Charities in New York.
“Obviously, we can only do a small part, a very small little thing,” Fluet acknowledged. “But boy, it will make a difference in the life of one child and one family. It’s something that students do a great job with.”
The school community, including the athletics department and student government, comes together to support this initiative. “We collect donations from the local community,” Father Fluet explained. “The students bring in the toys, but we also receive monetary donations. We don’t go out and solicit, we simply announce the annual toy drive.”
Welcome to the Season of Giving: How Kids are Making a Difference
When it comes to spreading holiday cheer, kids are some of the best at it. Take, for example, the students at a local school who are experts at making posters.
“They had a picture of me in my cassock and a Santa Claus hat,” one teacher shared, laughing. “It’s perfect.”
During the coronavirus crisis a few years back, the school had to find a new way to collect gifts, and they haven’t looked back since.
“During COVID, we went virtual and set up a gift registry through Amazon,” the teacher explained. “And we still do that now.”
‘It could be one kid or up to nine’
In New York City, Catholic Charities Brooklyn and Queens utilized the parish basement at St. Vincent Ferrer Church to offer toys and gifts for city residents in need.
“For many children, this is the only gift that will be under their tree this year,” said Catholic Charities outreach worker Debbie Hampson in an interview with Current News.
“We’ve had parents crying because of the fact that they’re able to provide at least a gift for their child,” she added.
One shopper expressed their gratitude, saying, “It’s a beautiful blessing. I thank God.”
Students in Michigan recently partnered with Catholic Charities to distribute presents to families in need. Meanwhile, in the Diocese of Scranton, Pennsylvania, approximately 5,000 children were projected to receive presents from the “Christmas Gifts for Kids” program, an initiative spearheaded by several local organizations including the diocesan Catholic Social Services.
“There are a lot of people out there that can’t afford gifts, especially with today’s economy.
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