Due to CDC guidelines for sanitization and social distancing, we are unable to put up a Giving Tree with Ornaments this year. COVID has changed everything. This year we can’t choose an ornament and personally shop for a gift because of COVID-19 sanitation requirements. Like a lot of things this year - we don’t like it! But this year, more than ever, people need to know someone cares about them.
Instead, we are asking for Gift Cards to distribute to needy families, Pro Labore Dei, The Women's Center and the PADS Shelter.
We are using SignUpGenius so that you can sign up to donate a gift card for someone in lieu of picking out his/her ornament. Please go to https://www.signupgenius.com/go/30E084FAFAC29A6FB6-giving
A Sign Up Genius page has been set up for the Giving Tree. You will find a long list of people, their age, gender and gift card request.
• Choose one recipient (or more).
• Purchase the requested Gift card.
• Put the Gift Card in an envelope or Christmas Card clearly marked with the identifying information, for example, ”Family 36, Boy age 5.” • Return the card to the Pastoral Center drop box by Friday, December 18.
Not comfortable using the Computer? You can still help!
• Make a donation to the Giving Tree 2020 by cash or check. Make checks payable to St. Damian. Place in an envelope clearly marked “GIVING TREE DONATION.”
• Please bring your donation to the Pastoral Center drop box by Friday, December 18.
There will be a volunteer in the Narthex where the Giving Tree would typically be to collect the gift card envelopes during all weekend masses December 5/6 and 12/13.
The Giving Tree Gift Cards will be distributed Saturday, December 19th along with the Christmas Food Pantry deliveries.
The link will be updated weekly. Families will continue to be added through December 22. Our SHOP table is a convenient way to get those gift cards, and your gift card purchases also benefit St. Damian parish.
We will have a box in the Narthex from December 5th through December 23rd for the collection of Men’s Hoodies, Long Underwear, T-shirts and/or Underwear for sizes Large, XL and XXL for the PADS Shelter. All donations should be placed in the box unwrapped.
If you would like to make a donation for the Giving Tree but don’t have access to a computer, or you are not comfortable using Sign Up Genius, please contact Deb Hartigan at flynnersfolks@att.net or (708)269-0817. God Bless You during this Season of Advent. Jesus is the Reason for the Season!