Gift of Christmas 2023
Thank you for considering making a donation to the individuals and families in our Gift of Christmas collection. Please read the following stories and find someone you would like to help this Christmas. Or, simply a make a donation to be used wherever the need is greatest.
If you have any questions, please email msnow@cc-doj.org.
If we receive enough donations to fulfill the needs of all clients listed, additional donations will go toward our Annual Christmas Appeal where every client served by Catholic Charities will be taken care of year-round. May God Bless you and your family.
The stories below are all true stories about current clients at Catholic Charities. Their names have been changed to protect their privacy.
- Rianna, 26, is the mother of two beautiful little girls (6 and 3) and a newborn baby boy. This year has been challenging for the family. While pregnant, Rianna was involved in an automobile accident that resulted in a back injury. This injury prevented her from working while pregnant. The loss of income has been tough on this family. The children’s father moved out of the house this year, which left Rianna as a single parent to three young children. Your gift of $250 will provide Rianna’s older daughter with a sled and ice skates. The sweet girl recently tried roller skating and wants to try ice skating this winter! Rianna’s three-year-old will receive a new baby doll with a carrier. She adores her baby brother and wants a doll to care for. Rianna would also like to purchase musical toys and sleep sacks for her baby boy.
- Joseph is a creative and musically talented 9-year-old. This year has been turbulent for Joseph, his sister, and his mother. His mother lost her job, and his father relocated to another state, leaving them with limited resources. Joseph has diagnoses of autism, ADHD, diabetes, and anxiety, which he works through with his Catholic Charities therapist. One way that Joseph has learned to cope with difficult moments is with toys and creative activities. A gift of $200 will help Joseph’s mother purchase these items to help calm and comfort him.
- Vanessa, 34, is a hard-working mother with three children and another expected to arrive just before Christmas. Life is busy as Vanessa juggles school schedules, afterschool activities, parenting a toddler, and preparing for the arrival of the new baby. Her children are thriving and well-adjusted – a high school cheerleader and a football player. Vanessa’s partner lost his job this year and has been struggling with feelings of failure. She tries to be supportive while working to support the growing family. Vanessa is also worried because her unborn baby isn’t developing, and doctors are concerned. She has been ordered to stop working and rest, which is nearly impossible. Although they are all excited to have a new baby to celebrate at Christmas, Vanessa worries that there won’t be any presents under the tree. A gift of $250 will provide winter gear for the children – coats, boots, hats, and gloves. They also wish for makeup (for the 16-year-old), video games (for the 10-year-old), and developmental toys to help the toddler (who has speech delays).
- Jane, 76, was born in Ireland and adores the culture. When her husband passed away after a brief illness, life became incredibly difficult. Jane’s family, once close and loving, had distanced themselves. She experienced homelessness during this dark time. Jane is working with a Catholic Charities therapist to help recover and rebuild her life. A gift of $150 will help provide this resilient woman with some self-care items this Christmas.
- Ama, 48, immigrated from Ghana ten years ago. She’s experiencing a high-risk pregnancy and is unable to work as a result. Ama is also in the process of getting a divorce. Her stress level is high as she navigates a difficult period of her life. A gift of $200 would provide Ama and her five-year-old daughter with some essential items that she needs – laundry detergent, warm clothing, snow boots, gloves, and hats.
- Natalia was married for 14 years when things started to deteriorate during COVID. As her relationship became strained, Natalia experienced depression. She felt lost trying to navigate life as a single mother. Things began to improve when she got a part-time job. Although Natalia’s depression was lifting, her health was poor. After medical testing, Natalia received the diagnosis of breast cancer. The cancer was aggressive and continued to spread despite surgery. Natalia and her children were scared for the future. During treatment, Natalia was unable to work. She would help a friend clean houses now and then but had medical restrictions to avoid any heavy work with her dominant arm. Today, Natalia is still in treatment, but she reports that her health has improved. A gift of $200 would provide this family with clothing, shoes, and toys for the children.
- Janiya was a teenager when she had her first child three years ago. She receives no support from her children’s father and must work very hard to support herself and her two toddlers. When her car broke down, Janiya was unable to commute to work and lost her job. Without a job, she fell behind on her bills. Although Janiya has found another job, she is paid less and is unable to afford anything beyond the very basics. She is worried about providing a Christmas for her children. You can help by donating $200 to ensure that Janiya’s children receive toys on Christmas morning.
- Elena, 73, wasn’t receiving proper medical care to treat her cancer until recently. Catholic Charities helped connect her with services she qualified for but didn’t know how to access, like Medicaid. Elena is living with her daughter, who has a part-time job, but it’s not enough to pay the bills for their household. A $150 donation would provide Elena with bed sheets and a warm blanket.
- Billie was just 15 years old when she became a mother. In addition to the responsibility of a new baby, the teenager’s father suddenly passed away, and Billie began helping her mother care for her five younger siblings as well. She was unable to return to school. When she turned 18, Billie started working to help support her family. Billie is now 24 years old and expecting her third child. A gift of $250 will help Billie provide clothing for her children and household items (dinnerware, cookware, utensils). She also dreams of having a Christmas tree in her apartment for the family to enjoy this year.
- Sakura is a grandmother who is raising her three grandchildren (ages 1, 3, and 6). This family is surviving on one minimal income. Sakura is sometimes unable to provide food for the family. She is heartbroken to struggle so much to care for the grandchildren that she loves so dearly. A gift of $250 would provide coats, hats, gloves, and winter clothing for Sakura’s grandchildren.
- Charles, 63, was a truck driver before a stroke left him with poor vision. Before his stroke, Charles took pride in helping out members of his church who were in need. Without an income, he can barely support himself. He’s also been depressed because the stroke has made it very difficult to do his favorite things – play the guitar and piano. Charles lives alone in an apartment, and a gift of $150 will provide some small home furnishings.
- Robyn is a working single mother with three children and no car. In order to take her child to Head Start each day, she must find rides or walks. She is supporting her family on her income, working at a fast food restaurant with no help from the children’s father. Despite her challenges, Robyn is always cheerful and smiling. A gift of $250 will help Robyn provide coats and boots for her children this winter. Anything left over will pay for transportation expenses.
- Charmaine (64) is deaf and has several serious health issues but selflessly cares for her mother, Katherine (88). Charmaine also has a son who is very ill, and she often cares for him as well. Earlier this year, Charmaine was unable to keep her beloved support dog when she moved into a home where he was not welcome. The new home doesn’t have ramps, and Katherine has great difficulty getting in and out of the house with her walker. The pair enjoy sitting outside for a cup of coffee together in the afternoon but worry about getting out when the weather gets cold. A gift of $200 will help this mother and daughter purchase shoes and clothing.
- Eliza is a single mom who struggles financially and often has to leave work early when her son’s school calls and asks her to help with behavioral issues. She is her son’s greatest advocate and patiently guides him through his challenges. Eliza’s income cannot cover her bills. A gift of $200 will give this family clothing, winter coats, and boots. Eliza worries that her children won’t have clothing to stay warm and dry this winter.
- Connie, 78, lives in a multi-generational household with twelve people. Connie’s daughter, a widow with nine children, recently lost her job because she had seizures at work. Connie’s son-in-law supported the family before he passed away last year, leaving them without a household income. The home is in very poor condition because the family cannot afford any necessary repairs. Connie has medical concerns about several of the children, but they haven’t been to a doctor in a long time due to finances. This family is experiencing a critical situation and is desperate to find a way to afford a safe home. Your gift of $350 will help this family pay for home repairs.
- Brianna and her children are grieving the loss of her 16-year-old son, who died as a result of gun violence this spring. The teen was Brianna’s oldest child, and he had watched her younger children each day after school so that she could work. After his death, Brianna lost her home and moved in with a family member because she was unable to work without childcare. Shortly after her son’s death, an ex-boyfriend of Brianna’s vandalized and destroyed all of the family’s belongings. This strong mother is working to make her neighborhood safer by advocating for more police patrol. She attends city council meetings to speak about the dangers in her neighborhood. A gift of $200 will help replace some of the items that Brianna’s family lost when their belongings were destroyed. They need furniture, housewares, clothing, and toys.
- Nancy, 71, has been unable to keep up with household bills since her husband’s passing. The cost of his funeral put her into debt. Managing finances is new to Nancy because her husband always took care of it. Nancy said that she has countless wonderful memories of Christmas together because her husband was a volunteer Santa in town. This will be her first Christmas without her beloved husband. She will spend the holiday at home with her son and her dog. A gift of $150 will help Nancy purchase clothing, which she has been unable to buy due to her financial strains.
- Octavia and her husband were completely devastated when one of their twins passed away unexpectedly at six weeks old. Without any extra money, the family had to scramble for the funds to put their sweet baby to rest. They felt helpless and heartbroken, and their toddler was confused about where his baby brother had gone. Octavia and her husband live on a very low income, and the funeral expenses have put them into debt. A gift of $250 will purchase clothing and winter coats for this grieving family.
- Bijou, 35, and her four children experienced homelessness earlier this year before entering a Catholic Charities housing program. They stayed with relatives and at motels – piecing together shelter however they could. Bijou has kidney failure and is on disability. She needs dialysis three times each week just to stay alive. She feels sick often and knows that she will eventually need a kidney transplant. Despite these challenges, Bijou is very friendly and happy. A $250 donation will provide much-needed items for this family – they had very little after their time spent homeless. They need toys, small appliances, lamps, kitchen towels, and bath towels.
- Chelsea, 32, is a single mother of a seven-year-old daughter and is expecting her second child before Christmas. Her partner is incarcerated, and Chelsea is worried about raising her children alone. Chelsea’s pregnancy is high-risk, and she is unable to work. Without an income, she recently decided to have her phone turned off so that she could afford food. Now, she is unable to maintain contact with her daughter’s school and her doctors. These are challenging times, but Chelsea has a great spirit. She’s always positive and makes everyone around her laugh. A gift of $200 will help Chelsea provide her children with clothing for winter and bedding. This wonderful mother wants desperately to make sure that she’s creating positive memories for her daughter at Christmas.
- Nick’s life has been very rough, and he’s seeing a Catholic Charities therapist to process his trauma. An abusive childhood and a period of homelessness as an adult have taken a toll, but Nick has made considerable strides in building a new life. He is on his way to breaking a cycle of intergenerational poverty. A gift of $150 will provide clothing to help with confidence.
- Nicole, 53, and her three children have had a tough year. Two of the children have struggled with mental health, and the other has developmental disabilities. Earlier this year, Nicole’s daughter barely survived a violent attack, leaving her with injuries to her head and back. Nicole worries constantly about her children. Living in a Catholic Charities housing program has given Nicole’s family stability as they work through their difficulties. A $200 donation will provide this family with the basics that they are often unable to afford – like hygiene products and food. They often run out of these items before each payday.
- Zara wasn’t able to afford a home that accommodated her large family. Today, this mother and her seven children (all under the age of 15) are in a Catholic Charities housing program. Zara is a domestic violence survivor. She works as a house cleaner but doesn’t earn enough money to cover the family’s expenses. This large family is incredibly close and supportive of one another. They enjoy playing outside and eating family meals together. A gift of $350 will purchase household goods, clothing, toys, and shoes for the children.
- Fritz and his nine-year-old son experienced homelessness last winter and stayed at Catholic Charities’ Kathy Paulsen Hope House. He was working an overnight shift, which made childcare very expensive and difficult to find. After a stay at Hope House, Fritz and his son entered Catholic Charities’ Tenant Based Rental Assistance Program (TBRA), which was a big step toward self-sufficiency. Fritz is a great father who always makes time to cook a meal and visit with his son before he goes to work each night. Fritz has grown tremendously while in the program. He is careful to stay within his budget and always keeps his apartment spotless. $200 will provide Fritz and his son with clothing and household goods.
- Lila, 24, is a single mother with two young children. She has been struggling to afford even the most basic expenses – like food and clothing. One of Lila’s children has special needs, and caring for him as a single parent can be exhausting. She shares a single vehicle with her entire family, which makes it challenging to get her son to school each day. Lila recently got a job and is working toward earning her GED. She’s trying very hard to build a comfortable life for her family. She says that she knows that with God and patience, things will be better soon. A gift of $200 will provide Lila with underwear, winter clothing, and coats for her children.
- Therese, her husband, and their three children became homeless when their house was condemned after their landlord failed to maintain it. While she stays at Catholic Charities’ Daybreak Center, Therese is working hard on securing a job and housing. She wants to provide a lovely Christmas for her family. A gift of $250 will provide toys, books, and clothing for the children.
- 27. Macy and her two young daughters have experienced a challenging year. Macy has endured illness and a car accident, which was especially hard to manage as a single mother without a family support system. A gift of $200 will give this family the chance for a bright Christmas with clothing, shoes, and winter boots.
- 28. Nycole spent much of her childhood in foster care and never felt security or a sense of family growing up. Today, she is staying in hotel shelter with her three children. It’s a difficult situation, and two of her children have behavioral issues, which is especially challenging without stable housing. A gift of $250 will help Nycole by providing books, toys, and clothing for her children.
- 29. Wendy, 52, and her family became homeless shortly after she was diagnosed with MS, which led to a depression diagnosis as she came to terms with this life-changing discovery. After living with family for a short time, Wendy’s family had nowhere to go. They entered a Catholic Charities housing program. Although Wendy is unable to work, her 25-year-old daughter contributes with the small income she earns working at a restaurant. Wendy cares for her granddaughter while her daughter works, but this is difficult due to her poor health. A gift of $200 will provide clothing, food, and some items to help the women feel their best – they have requested makeup and haircare products.
- 30. Cristina and her toddler son sleep on a bare mattress on the floor of their apartment. They recently moved to the US in search of a better life. She cleans houses to earn money but is only able to provide for their most basic needs. Cristina doesn’t have a car, which limits her ability to earn a living. This devoted mother is optimistic and focused on her goals. Her son participates in Catholic Charities’ Home-Based Head Start Program, and he’s doing very well. $200 will help Cristina purchase diapers and food for her beloved son.
- 31. Michelle, 29, and her family became homeless when she was a teenager. As an adult, she continues to struggle to maintain stable housing and spent years staying with various friends to keep a roof over her head. With four young daughters, Michelle knew that she needed to stabilize her situation and entered a Catholic Charities housing program. Her short-term goal is to secure a job in retail because she loves working with the public. Her long-term goal is to own a home for her family someday and break the multigenerational cycle of poverty. A gift of $300 will provide this family with blankets, a vacuum cleaner, and cookware.
- 32. Renata, 32, is a single mother of three young children who was recently laid off from her job. Prior to her layoff, Renata was on a family medical leave to care for her baby daughter, who was recovering from two brain surgeries. Since losing her job last month, Renata has struggled to pay her bills and is facing possible eviction. Her baby still requires full-time care, which makes it impossible to seek employment at this time. A gift of $250 will give Renata’s family the opportunity to have clothing, shoes, and groceries for Christmas.
- 33. Ike, Imara, and their ten-year-old daughter recently moved into an apartment after spending 18 months without a home. After a rough patch, which included money mismanagement and losing their jobs, this family also lost their home. They felt fearful and lonely as they experienced homelessness. The couple has secured short-term jobs but hasn’t been able to find anything stable. Recently, Ike and Imara’s family entered a Catholic Charities Transitional Housing Program to help them while they stabilize. This opportunity has revitalized the family, and they are eager to start their journey of healing, working, saving, and preparing for a new life. A $200 donation will help this family purchase clothing and personal care items. After spending many months homeless, they have very few belongings.
- 34. Norm, 62, recently moved into his apartment. He lives on an extremely tight budget and attends food pantries to ensure that he doesn’t go hungry. Although he’s excited to have his apartment, it’s very bare, with few furnishings. A $150 donation will help Norm purchase food, towels, paper products, and lamps.
- 35. Ernest, 23, was kicked out of his family’s home when he was young. He has done his best to care for himself, but Ernest struggles with a severe disability and mental health challenges. When he recently found himself without a home, Ernest came to Catholic Charities’ Daybreak Center for help. He is always smiling and eager to work through his obstacles to have a better future. A $150 donation will provide Ernest with winter clothing, boots, and outerwear to stay warm.
- 36. Kelli, 35, spent six months living in a hotel with her daughters this year. She has rheumatoid arthritis, which has become progressively more debilitating. Kelli has endured several unsuccessful surgeries but is facing life knowing that this is a long-term disability. Catholic Charities recently helped this family with a security deposit and the first month of rent on an apartment. They are grateful and excited to spend Christmas in their new home. A gift of $250 will provide items for Kelli’s apartment, warm socks, and clothing for the children.
- 37. William, 80, is a talented quilt-maker who has opened his home to four family members despite his financial hardship. Even with combined resources, this household struggles to get by. William can no longer drive, so he uses his motorized scooter to get around. This limits his ability to travel dramatically, as he can only go places very close to his home. William would use a gift of $150 for food, laundry products, and paper products.
- 38. Evan was the sole breadwinner for his family before he was laid off from both of his jobs simultaneously. The family fell behind in rent, utilities, and all their expenses. Evan reached out to Catholic Charities to help his family stay in their home while he looked for another job. The Agency helped them catch up on their rent, which prevented them from becoming homeless. However, they still struggle financially, and most of the household income goes toward food and utilities. A gift of $250 will provide toys for Evan’s children this Christmas – Thomas the Train toys for his son and Barbies for his daughter.
- 39. Hank, 70, is a veteran with severe health issues. He’s in remission from cancer and has COPD. He has experienced homelessness and is hugely grateful to have a place to call his own. This cheerful man loves watching TV and spending time with his family. A $150 donation will help Hank purchase warm clothing for winter and items for his apartment.
- 40. Ursula, 50, became the guardian of her three young great-nieces when their mother was severely injured in a car accident, which also claimed the life of another family member. Although Ursula was able to secure housing for her family, she wasn’t able to save enough money for the security deposit. Catholic Charities helped Ursula obtain a safe and stable home to share with the young girls as they begin a new chapter of their lives. A gift of $250 will help Ursula provide clothing and toys for the girls this Christmas.
- 41. Victor, 34, is experiencing homelessness for the first time, and it’s been extremely challenging for him. Each day, Victor wakes up at Daybreak Center, completes his chores, and then walks his children (who live nearby) to school. This devoted father is working hard to improve his mental health and maintain a great relationship with his children. After six months in the shelter, Victor’s goal is to have a home before Christmas. He works temp jobs whenever he can and passes his earnings along to help support his children. A gift of $150 will help Victor purchase winter clothing and outerwear. If he is able to secure housing before Christmas, he will also need household items.
- 42. Yolanda, 30, is a single mom with four children who works, attends college, and recently lost her home. As she desperately searches for a new place to live, she recently found out that she’s expecting her fifth child. As Yolanda works toward her bachelor’s degree in education, she looks forward to student teaching next semester. She wants to continue her education and earn a master’s degree next. Yolanda’s children are thriving despite their difficult circumstances. A gift of $350 will purchase clothing, food, and toys for this growing family.
- 43. Stephen, 63, has been experiencing homelessness since last winter. He doesn’t have any family support. It’s been difficult for Stephen to retain jobs because of struggles with his mental health. He said that he has a hard time controlling his emotions and has recently started seeing a therapist. Stephen is staying at Catholic Charities’ Daybreak Center as he works to stabilize his life. A gift of $150 will help Stephen get a winter coat and warm clothes.
- 44. Alma is a single mother raising six children between the ages of one and 17. She mostly speaks Spanish but is trying to improve her English. Alma has a full-time job, but her income isn’t enough to support her large family. She doesn’t have any family support and is 100% on her own to care for everyone. A gift of $350 will provide winter coats for Alma’s children.
- 45. Eric, 38, has been without a stable home for two years. His 13-year-old son lives with his family, but Eric’s goal is to regain custody of his child. While he stays at Daybreak Center, Eric is focused on improving his mental health and sees a therapist. He’s also been volunteering when he can. Eric is scheduled to move into housing before the holidays. A gift of $150 will provide clothing and items for his new place.
- 46. Carlos, Maria and their two daughters (ages six and eight) came to Catholic Charities seeking assistance to pay the fees for their children to become citizens. The family arrived from Columbia one year ago and has been slowly saving for the fees. The couple work opposite shifts at the same restaurant so that someone is always home with their daughters. They take English classes and feel more comfortable communicating. This family is working hard and is excited for their future as citizens of the United States. A gift of $200 will provide winter clothing and toys (dolls and Squishmallows) for the children. They also are hoping to purchase new bedding.
- 47. Eduardo, 57, has been staying at Daybreak Center for two months. Multiple health issues have made it nearly impossible for Eduardo to work, but he was recently given medical clearance to work part-time. He has applied for several jobs and is eagerly waiting to hear back. $150 will provide winter clothing, a coat, and hygiene products and will replace a tire on Eduardo’s bicycle (his only source of transportation).
- 48. Hilaria, 33, is a single mother working full-time and raising her four children. Her youngest child was recently diagnosed with a heart condition. So, this family is working extra hard to stay healthy. Hilaria’s job is also quite far from their home, which makes the commute expensive and means more time away from the family each day. They struggle financially, and Hilaria will spend your $250 on food.
- 49. Heath, 47, has been experiencing homelessness for several months and staying at Daybreak Center. He is very careful to maintain his sobriety, which is an ongoing struggle. Without transportation, Heath is having difficulty finding a job. He’s frank about his challenges. Without any income, it’s hard for Heath to make any progress toward self-sufficiency. A $150 donation will help Heath purchase clothing (he’s very tall and typically cannot find donated clothes that fit) for job interviews.
- 50. Janelle and her four children recently fled from their abusive household. They left all of their belongings behind to seek safety. After staying in a Catholic Charities shelter, this family is moving into an apartment of their own. This brave mother and her children are excited to live without fear. A gift of $250 will help them start to purchase the items needed for their new apartment. The children don’t have any toys, very few clothes, and no winter outerwear.
- 51. Valli, her husband, brother, and three children are asylum seekers who fled from an oppressive government. In their home country, they earned (the equivalent of) $20 per week and were barely able to survive. Their journey was arduous and involved a LOT of walking. After a stay in a Catholic Charities homeless shelter, the adults in Valli’s household found jobs and are already building the new life they dreamed about. A gift of $300 will provide toys and clothing for the family.
- 52. Cruz, 21, his partner Luisa, and his 19-year-old brother are asylum seekers. They arrived at Catholic Charities with nothing other than a few sets of clothing. The family is staying at a Catholic Charities shelter while their situation stabilizes. All three were able to secure jobs washing dishes at a restaurant quickly. They are working hard to save money and will be living in their new apartment before Christmas. A gift of $200 will make a big difference in the lives of this family, as they have very few belongings. They are wishing for clothing, bedding, and items for the kitchen.
- 53. Lori is a single parent with two young children. She works hard to support her family but still struggles to earn enough to cover her living expenses. When asked who their hero is, both of Lori’s children said, “Mommy!” She is very invested in her children’s education, volunteers at school, and attends all school events. Although it’s been difficult, Lori says that she feels proud to be raising two wonderful children in a loving household. $200 would purchase winter gear and outerwear, blankets, toiletries, and kitchenware for Lori’s sweet family.
- 54. Marisol and her family recently arrived from their homeland of Venezuela and are doing their best to adjust to the language and customs. Marisol has four children under eight years old, and she’s managing without a family support system. She’s been struggling to find employment. Marisol’s youngest child is in Catholic Charities’ Head Start Program and is always smiling and keeping a positive attitude. $250 would provide clothing, shoes, toiletries, and food for Marisol’s family this Christmas.
- 55. Frank, 54, has been coming to Shepherd’s Table soup kitchen for lunch every day for more than 13 years. Although his housing situation is unstable, Frank has never needed to stay at Daybreak Center, but he appreciates having a warm meal each day. Frank is quiet and kind. With a gift of $150, Frank would receive books and a fishing pole.
- 56. Tammy and her husband have five children. This large family has struggled with homelessness over the years and has stayed at Daybreak Center several times. They are now living in a home but still struggle and come to Shepherd’s Table for lunch whenever possible. A gift of $350 may be this family’s only chance at a bright Christmas.
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