Parishes around the diocese are making the holidays merry and bright for those in need with the help of Giving Trees.
Over the last few weeks, parishioners took home paper ornaments labeled with specific donation items. They returned to church with gifts aplenty, which the parishes donated to charities throughout Northern Virginia. Here are a few examples of Giving Trees around the diocese.
St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Church in Lake Ridge wrapped up its Giving Tree collection Dec. 8. Spearheaded by volunteer Kumiko Resko, the collection will serve families at diocesan Catholic Charities St. Margaret of Cortona Transitional and Maternity Housing. According to Betty Maher, director of human concerns and outreach, donations range from kitchenware to bedding and linens to toys for children. Additional donations will go to Catholic Charities Christ House in Alexandria.
St. Bridget of Ireland Church in Berryville hosted its first Giving Tree program since the pandemic. The parish partnered with FISH of Clarke County, which helps the poor and needy in the county. Parish Coordinator Michele Sunderlin said that donations far exceeded what the parish expected. “We had to order three more sets of ornaments and replenish the tree three times as it was so well received,” she said.
St. Mary of the Immaculate Conception Church in Fredericksburg likewise received an outpouring of generosity. Elena Doyle, executive assistant and outreach, said that the parish’s Giving Tree collects approximately $30,000 in gifts and gift cards annually. Donations include kitchenware, shoes, clothing, car seats, and Walmart and Uber gift cards. The items are donated to a variety of charities, including Catholic Charities Migration and Refugee Services, Mary’s Shelter, Society of St. Vincent de Paul, Micah Ecumenical Ministries and several nursing homes in the area.
The high rates of donations indicate a spirit of service among parishioners.
“We are so impressed that parishioners have such a desire to give,” Sunderlin said, “but not really surprised, because we know it is in giving that we receive.”
