Annual Giving Tree Shares Blessings with Those in Need in Our Community

If you haven’t chosen a card from the Giving Tree yet, there still is time to share the love of Christ with others in our community as we celebrate the joyous season of Christmas.

The Christmas Giving Tree began on Nov. 20 and will continue through Dec. 12. Parishioners not only can provide gifts, gift cards, and monetary donations but the gift of time is valued, as well.

“The Christmas Giving Tree is an Outreach Ministry at Christ the King that distributes donations to local charities during the Christmas season,” says Tracie Woodard, Giving Tree team leader. “As parishioners at Christ the King, we are called to serve our community. The Christmas Giving Tree, along with our other programs in the Outreach Ministry, provide an organized way for everyone to be involved and give back year-round.”

Several local charities receive the gifts from our Giving Tree, including Birthright, Catholic Charities, Christians in Community Service, Holy Trinity Church of Harlan, St. Vincent de Paul, and the Hope Center.

“The Christmas Giving Tree partners with these charities every year,” Tracie says. “They are a part of the Community Outreach Ministry at Christ the King, and Holy Trinity Church of Harlan is our sister church.”

The charities all together receive a total of about 1,300 gifts. And each sends thanks and gratitude for the generosity of Christ the King parishioners.

“This is an opportunity for our parishioners to help those in need and is a great volunteer opportunity for families,” Tracie says. “There are several ways parishioners can take part. We need help to make labels, cut and hang the cards in the church, gather the gifts delivered by parishioners and put them in storage, and to sort, inventory, and box the gifts for delivery.”

Although the ministry is titled “the Christmas Giving Tree,” it is a perfect opportunity to enter into the season of Advent.

“The Advent season is a time of reflection and preparation,” Tracie says. “It gives us the chance to put others first. The Christmas Giving Tree provides that opportunity to our parishioners. The donations given now are used throughout the year by our charities, and really have a lasting impact.”

The Christ the King Giving Tree

For more information on donating or volunteering to help with the Giving Tree, contact Tracie Woodard at 859-608-8005 or woodard01@aol.com.