Mary Coburn
Contributor
Catholic Charities Christmas Connection program has been fulfilling the wishes and basic needs of hundreds of disadvantaged families and individuals from all religions, races and ethnic backgrounds for 43 years. The program has expanded from serving 25 families in 1979 to more than 500 families each year in the Big Bend area. By working directly with over 30 local social service agencies across the region, we are able to identify and serve those who are most in need during the holidays. We serve families in Leon, Gadsden, Wakulla, Madison, Franklin and Jefferson counties.
The Christmas Connection Program would not happen without the support of the local communities. There are three ways you can help:
• ADOPT A FAMILY – Help make a family’s Christmas memorable this year by adopting them for the holiday and assisting with their wish list. Fill out an adoption form at www.thechristmasconnection.org to adopt a family. The last day to adopt a family through the website is Monday, Dec.12.
• DONATIONS – Monetary donations raised during the holiday season are used not only during the holidays but throughout the year to assist families who have experienced an unexpected situation and need emergency financial assistance. To make a monetary donation, visit our website, or mail a gift directly to Catholic Charities’ Christmas Connection, P.O. Box 20165, Tallahassee, Fla., 32316. You may also deliver your donation to the Christmas Connection Collection Site.
• VOLUNTEER – Volunteers make the magic happen. The Christmas Connection site will have volunteer time slots seven days a week from Sunday, Nov. 27 through Sunday, Dec. 18. Volunteers at the site sort, shop, and pack donations; however, much more than that needs to be done. Our greatest needs are volunteers willing to organize a collection drive or adopt a family. The volunteer slots at the site require advance registration through our website. Please go directly to our website to register to volunteer.
Donations of new items can be dropped off at the Christmas Connection site beginning Sunday, Nov. 27, during operating hours. Used items of any kind are NOT able to be accepted.
Gift Cards (Amazon, Walmart, Target, Gas, Groceries, Restaurants)
Children's Toys, Games, and Books
Nonperishable Foods
Baby Toys
Baby Layette Items (bath towel, sleepers, receiving blankets, burp cloths)
Baby Diapers and Wipes
Bath and Beauty Sets
Tricycles
Bicycles and Helmets (size 12” balance bikes, 16”, 20” and 24’)
New Blankets (all sizes)
Teenage Gift Items (jewelry, earbuds, hair accessories, movie passes)
Tablets
Toiletries
Small Household Appliances (Coffee maker, Toaster, etc.)
Pots and Pan Sets
Dish Sets
Glassware
Flatware
Cooking Utensils
Heaters
Fans
We have created a Christmas Connection Amazon Wish List for your shopping convenience. Please help us make someone’s Christmas merry and bright by shopping directly from the Amazon Wish List linked on our website. Items purchased through the Wish List can be shipped directly to Christmas Connection.
The Christmas Connection site is at 2990-2 Apalachee Parkway, Tallahassee, Fla., 32301. The site will be open from Sunday, Nov. 27 through Tuesday, Dec. 20. The warehouse will be open on Monday, Dec. 19 and Tuesday, Dec. 20, primarily for the elves to work on their deliveries. Hours of operation will be Monday-Saturday, 10 a.m.-6 p.m; Sunday, 1 p.m.-5 p.m. The warehouse will be closed by 2 p.m on Tuesday, Dec. 20. All donated items need to be received no later than Monday, Dec. 12, giving our elves plenty of time to sort and pack the presents for the families in need.
For more information on Christmas Connection, please contact Pattie Malarney, Christmas Connection Coordinator, or Mary Coburn, Christmas Connection Community Outreach-Public Relations at (850) 665-3852. You can also visit our website, www.thechristmasconnection.org.