2024 Christmas Outreach Programs

Christmas Outreach Programs are a way to assist families this holiday season.  Below is information on the various holiday outreach programs and how to give.

CHRISTMAS GIFT CARDS FOR KIDS
WHAT:  We are collecting $25 Target or Walmart gift cards to give to local parents who visit our Food Pantry to buy gifts for their children under 18.  Last year we helped 79 children from 29 families. 
HOW TO HELP:  You may either buy the cards yourself or contribute money and we will purchase them.  Send a check made out to Seton Parish, cash, or give through GiveCentral but be sure to note it is for “Gift Cards for Kids”.  Cards or money may be returned in collection basket at Mass or brought/mailed to the Church Office. 
WHEN:  Gift cards will be distributed to families the first week of December, so we need donations by November 30. 
       Questions:   Susan Bixby 410 721-8724 or [email protected]
 
MARIAN HOUSE
WHAT:  Marian House staff will use donations of cash or gift cards to buy the women and children residents gifts using their wish lists, or purchase gifts for everyone to use.  
HOW TO HELP:  You may contribute cash, check made out to Seton Parish, or give through GiveCentral.  Put in an envelope marked “Marian House” and return to Seton or drop in the collection basket at Mass.   You may also purchase gift cards to Walmart, Target, Amazon, Uber, Lyft or Dollar stores and return them.  Be sure the amount and “Marian House” is noted on the envelope.
WHEN:  Complete your donation by November 26 so staff has time to shop.
         Questions: Barbara Groont [email protected]  (202) 257-3393
 
ST. GREGORY’S SENIOR CITIZEN GIFTS
WHAT: We will be providing pajamas/nightgown and deodorant for 68 senior citizens at St. Gregory’s in Baltimore.  As in the past you may add other toiletries or slipper socks.   Gifts may be packaged in gift bags or gift wrapped. Your gift will likely be the only one these individuals receive.  
HOW TO HELP: 

1.  There will be a table in the Narthex  November 16/17 and November 23/24 where you can obtain a name (with size needed) of a senior citizen. 
2.  Or you may contact either Marianne Cernosek at 410 -721-7578  [email protected] or Pat O’Berry at 240 -687-0015  [email protected] by November 24 to obtain a name of a senior citizen.                                                                                                                                                        

WHEN:  All gifts are due by December 8. Theymay be returned before or after Mass to the Parish Center on Nov. 30/Dec 1 or Dec.7/8 or on Mon. or Wed. after Thanksgiving, Dec 2/4, between10-12:30 to the Parish Center.  

ADOPT -A-FAMILY
WHAT: This is our annual Adopt-a-Family outreach to children in our sister parish, St. Gregory the Great.  
HOW TO HELP:
We ask that you provide a $40 Giant gift card for the family’s Christmas meal as well as wrapped gifts of
clothing and toys for the children in the family you are sponsoring. ($40-$50 per child).  The families have 2-4 children, from toddlers – 13 years old. 
WHEN:  
To sponsor a family, contact Margaret Dominguez, 520-369-1906, [email protected], Brian McGrath,609-558-1781 [email protected] or Tony Cruz, 410-279-8594 [email protected].  They can provide you with information needed for a family and guidance for wrapping, and the delivery times.  Gifts will be accepted on Dec. 12 8am-7pm and Dec. 13 from 8am-1pm only.   Delivery to St. Gregory’s is the morning of December 14. 
To volunteer to help receive the donor gifts and/or help pack our delivery truck with the gifts on Dec. 12 or 13, contact  Brian, Margaret, or Tony. Virtus certification required. If you are not yet certified, contact Laryessa Worthington, [email protected]
 
CHRISTMAS MEALS
WHAT:  We will provide a Christmas meal and gift card for turkey or ham to 68 St. Gregory’s senior citizens and over 150 local families coming to the Food Pantry in December.   
HOW TO HELP:  Pack a REUSABLE bag with items listed below and include a check for $20 if you are able. 
WHEN: Bring meals to the Parish Center Mon. or Wed. after Thanksgiving on Dec 2/4 or Dec. 9/11 from 10-12:30 or bring before or after Mass Nov. 30/Dec 1 or Dec. 7/8 to the Parish Center. 
        Christmas Meal Bag
   1 lg. mashed potatoes (12 servings)       3 vegetables
   1 lg. sweet potatoes (40 oz.)                     2 pk/ cans gravy
   1 lg. or 2 small stuffing (12 servings)      1 evaporated milk
   1 Christmas confection (cookies /candy) 2 mac ‘n cheese
               Questions:   Susan Bixby [email protected] (410)721-8724 or  Donna Bulvin [email protected] (301) 404-5293
 
 You may choose to provide a check, cash, or give through GiveCentral for “Christmas Programs” and the money will be used for whichever programs need it.