THE Giving Tree Program
THANK YOU!
We made it! We reached our goal for the Giving Tree! God was once again watching over the Giving Tree families. We are beyond grateful to everyone who participated and gave to this annual CCOP ministry. We know these 427 families will have smiles on their faces and joy in their hearts when they receive their gift cards. We hope that it also warms your heart to know we made their Christmas a little brighter. Thank you again for your generosity!
- The Giving Tree Ministry
We made it! We reached our goal for the Giving Tree! God was once again watching over the Giving Tree families. We are beyond grateful to everyone who participated and gave to this annual CCOP ministry. We know these 427 families will have smiles on their faces and joy in their hearts when they receive their gift cards. We hope that it also warms your heart to know we made their Christmas a little brighter. Thank you again for your generosity!
- The Giving Tree Ministry
"Upon receipt of the gift cards, what is always there are the looks of joy, humility, wonder and gratitude on their faces."
- From a parish that receives gift cards from our parish.
- From a parish that receives gift cards from our parish.
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These are the gifts that the Giving Tree families receive.
"The amount of gratitude in the world increases one thoughtful person at a time."
- From one of the parishes that participates in the Giving Tree program.
- From one of the parishes that participates in the Giving Tree program.
DATA BY THE NUMBERS:
- 427 families
- 1969 individuals
- 1039 children
- OUR GOAL: $98,450
HOW DOES IT WORK?
- We have eight parishes who will participate, which includes our own St. Vincent de Paul at CCOP. They can each include 50 families to participate in the program. We will be adopting 427 families this year.
- The eight participating parishes have said how very grateful they are that CCOP will sponsor the Giving Tree ministry again this year. They have expressed that their families are very much in need.
- We will be giving gift cards this year. The family can then determine how to distribute and use the funds on the card.
- The amount of the gift card is based on the number of family members. Each family has a choice of either a Target or Walmart gift card.
WHAT CAN YOU DO?
- We are asking for only monetary donations. We can then purchase the gift card quantities in bulk and in the denominations that we need.
- You can donate through the parish website via Realm by clicking on the "DONATE NOW" button below. You can also drop off a check through the mail slot at the St. Augustine rectory. Please write “Giving Tree” in the memo line, if dropping off a check.
- We will accept donations through Sunday, December 7th.
We hope that you will continue supporting this wonderful ministry with as much love and generosity as you have in the past. We have provided a Q&A section that may answer some questions. Please contact Roxanne Rasmussen at [email protected] with any other questions.
FAQ (FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS)
Why the change from adopting families to asking for monetary donations?
The families that are supported in the nine parishes have requested gift cards again this year. We can imagine the joy that parents feel when they can buy their children gifts or a senior can buy the lap blanket they have been wanting.
How can I decide how much money to donate?
You can contribute as much as you are willing to at this time. All contributions regardless of amount are welcomed. A good guideline would be to donate as much money as you would normally have spent on the family if buying gifts.
How can I be sure the gift cards given to the families will be used for the intended purpose of purchasing Christmas gifts for their families?
We give our gifts freely out of love for God and our neighbor. We can only control our giving; we trust the recipient to use the gift card wisely in a way that is the most helpful to them. Given the economic difficulties many people are facing, these gift cards can be a blessing beyond just Christmas gifts for their family.
How will these gift cards be distributed?
Giving Tree Core Team members will personally deliver each parish’s gift cards to the parish contact person. We plan to include a Christmas card or note to each family from CCOP with the gift card. The parish contact will then organize the delivery to the families. This maintains the anonymity that has always been an important part of the Giving Tree ministry.
How much money is needed to purchase a sufficient number of gift cards?
We have 1969 individuals among our 427 Giving Tree families. If we plan for $50 in gift cards for each person that bring us to our goal of $98,450. We will keep the parish informed of our progress through our website, Flocknote, and other platforms.
How can I donate?
You can donate through the parish website via Realm by clicking on the "DONATE NOW" button below. You can also drop off a check through the mail slot at the St. Augustine rectory. Please write “Giving Tree” in the memo line, if dropping off a check. We will accept the donations through Sunday, December 7th.
Why the change from adopting families to asking for monetary donations?
The families that are supported in the nine parishes have requested gift cards again this year. We can imagine the joy that parents feel when they can buy their children gifts or a senior can buy the lap blanket they have been wanting.
How can I decide how much money to donate?
You can contribute as much as you are willing to at this time. All contributions regardless of amount are welcomed. A good guideline would be to donate as much money as you would normally have spent on the family if buying gifts.
How can I be sure the gift cards given to the families will be used for the intended purpose of purchasing Christmas gifts for their families?
We give our gifts freely out of love for God and our neighbor. We can only control our giving; we trust the recipient to use the gift card wisely in a way that is the most helpful to them. Given the economic difficulties many people are facing, these gift cards can be a blessing beyond just Christmas gifts for their family.
How will these gift cards be distributed?
Giving Tree Core Team members will personally deliver each parish’s gift cards to the parish contact person. We plan to include a Christmas card or note to each family from CCOP with the gift card. The parish contact will then organize the delivery to the families. This maintains the anonymity that has always been an important part of the Giving Tree ministry.
How much money is needed to purchase a sufficient number of gift cards?
We have 1969 individuals among our 427 Giving Tree families. If we plan for $50 in gift cards for each person that bring us to our goal of $98,450. We will keep the parish informed of our progress through our website, Flocknote, and other platforms.
How can I donate?
You can donate through the parish website via Realm by clicking on the "DONATE NOW" button below. You can also drop off a check through the mail slot at the St. Augustine rectory. Please write “Giving Tree” in the memo line, if dropping off a check. We will accept the donations through Sunday, December 7th.