The holidays this year will look different for many of us. Some won’t see family they’ve been longing to hug for months. For others meals are being simplified because funds are low. And maybe Christmas trees are looking a little barren. The pandemic has shaken all of our traditions.
But for the folks we see on our food lines and through our outreach – the vulnerable and underserved in Newark – the holidays have often been sparse. For them, a warm coat, a special meal or one new toy or gift is a treasure. And the smiles we see on their faces during our winter coat drives, holiday toy drives and Christmas Eve dinners complete with Holiday Express entertainment are worth millions. Just take a look at our video below!
Since 2004, Franciscan Charities has opened its doors to all in need, especially during the holidays, spreading the joy that comes with giving. And while this year has tested our resourcefulness, we are committed to finding a way to keep giving this year.
We've already our provided more than 500 people with coats, hats and gloves during our coat drive, and we’ll soon be distributing hundreds more.
We've launched our Toy Drive, always a highlight for our neighbors as well as our volunteers and staff. Over the years we've brought smiles to the faces of more than a thousand children! Although this year we won’t be able to let them browse and shop in our own indoor winter wonderland, we are determined to load up the sleigh and send our own elves out bearing gifts. Pick out toys in our virtual store; we'll do the shopping and delivery!
And while the folks from Holiday Express won’t be performing in person for us this Christmas Eve, they’ll be delivering their wonderful customized bags filled with all sorts of treats for us to distribute.
As you begin your holiday preparations or think through your year-end giving, please consider helping us with our mission to spread joy. There are so many ways to do so!
Do some shopping for our kids by clicking here for our Toy Drive.
Shop on Amazon Smile. You know Black Friday is coming! But did you also know you can support Franciscan Charities over the holidays and throughout the year whenever you shop on Amazon? Just click here to get started and then shop away! Amazon Smile will donate 0.5% of your eligible purchases to our organization.
Participate in Giving Tuesday, a global day of generosity that will take place on December 1, 2020. Keep an eye on our Facebook and Instagram pages for opportunities to give on that special day.
Make a general donation on our website or on our Instagram and Facebook pages.
Thank you as always for your generosity! As we say at Franciscan Charities, “It is in giving that we receive."
Franciscan Charities, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) federal income tax exempt organization. It is registered as a charity with the New Jersey Office of the Attorney General (CH2685200).
