This weekend marks the beginning of our annual Christmas outreach. Each year we have been blessed with a generous and warm response to the poor and struggling in our community, and throughout our Diocese. Because of the generosity of so many of you, we are able to bring some of Christ’s light into the lives of many. There are a variety of ways that you can participate if you are interested.
Giving Tree: Christmas trees will be in the church vestibule and at the south entrance with gift requests on it beginning Thanksgiving weekend. Anyone interested can take a tag, purchase the gift requested and return it when you come to Mass on the weekend OR by dropping it off at the parish office during the week, wrapped and with the tag attached by December 10. These gifts go to local families, to Diocesan or county agencies and to poor parishes.
Donations: Food cards and financial donations are gratefully accepted. Please call or drop a note to the Social Ministry in the Sunday collection. Food cards or financial donations are always welcome. Donations made by check should be made payable to: St. Vincent Martyr – Christmas Outreach.
Volunteer: Help is always welcomed and greatly appreciated because ‘many hands’ really do ‘make light work’. If you are interested in volunteering some time towards the Christmas Outreach, please contact Jeanne Buckley at 201-988-4246 or via email at jeanneb1967@optonline.net.
What: “CHRISTMAS OUTREACH” – collection and delivery of Christmas gifts to local families, parishioners and up to ten charitable organizations. The gifts are mostly specifically requested items (e.g., toys, clothing) but also include gift cards to local stores.
Who it benefits: Local needy families, parishioners, county and Diocese-wide organizations such as Friendship Corner, St. Agnes Church, and Riverside Community Center in Paterson, Hope House in Dover, Birth Haven, and the following Catholic Charities-related organizations: Mount St. Joseph’s Children Center, Hispanic Center, The Parent’s Place, and Straight and Narrow.
When it happens: Preparations begin mid-November preparing tags to be hung on the vestibule’s “giving tree” which is erected Thanksgiving weekend. Gifts are due back by a specific Sunday within two weeks of Christmas.
Time commitment: There are many ways to participate! The least time requirement would entail writing a check/making a financial donation toward the gift purchases. Preparing tags can take up to several hours in November. Erecting the tree and placing the tags takes approximately 1 hour (depending on the number of participants). Taking a tag(s), shopping for, wrapping and returning the specific items(s) can take up to several hours. On the final day, assisting with the collection, sorting and packing of returned gifts can also take up to several hours.
Coordinator: Jeanne Buckley
Phone: 201-988-4246