Advent Giving Tree: Supporting Our Community Members in Need This Season

Advent and Christmas are very busy times, especially in the secular world. It can be all too tempting to get wrapped up in the shopping, decorating, and baking. Unfortunately, it can also be too easy to forget about the true reason for the season — that our Lord came to earth as a baby in a manger.

To truly celebrate the season and give back to the Lord, who has given so generously to us, we should take time to remember those who are in need. There are people all around us who are experiencing sickness, loneliness, loss, and hardship. One way we can support those in need is through the Advent Giving Tree, through which cards listing various needs are hung on a tree that is placed in the front of our parish.

Parish School of Religion and school students decorate angels with needs listed on them — the collected items go to Birthright. Several other organizations receive gifts, depending on the year, including the Women’s Shelter and Veteran’s Home.

“I found out that Birthright counts on us to get through the year,” says Carmel Akins, who coordinates the Advent Giving Tree. “The items we donate are desperately needed by the organization.”

The needs can include anything from sweaters and coloring books to laundry detergent and diapers. Carmel estimates the number of items donated each year is in the hundreds. In 2020, items were also collected for parishioners in the nursing home since they had been isolated due to the pandemic. Parishioners received tissue boxes, sugar-free candy, lotions, and a Christmas ornament, to name a few.

“We have a very generous parish,” Carmel says. “The kids are always so excited to grab the angel cards and go shopping.”

Typically, the items are due back about a week before Christmas. Carmel delivers the items to various organizations.

“I feel like I am Santa’s elf,” Carmel says. “It’s a really good feeling to deliver. The people are always so grateful for everything.”

It’s so important to model giving to children. In particular, Carmel appreciates that the children can see their decorated angels near the altar.

“It certainly feels better to give than to receive,” Carmel says. “This is what it means to be a Christian. This is what we are supposed to do.”

All parishioners are encouraged to take an angel and help support those most in need this Christmas.