The information here describes how things were before Covid-19 and we hope and pray will be again.
During Every Christmas season, for too many years to count, the Giving Tree has stood in the back of the church as a St. William's tradition. This tree contains paper ornaments with the wishes of those in need in our community. These wishes are not for an Xbox, Apple iPhone, or a Starbucks gift card, but are instead for basic things that all of us need in life.
The leaders of the Giving Tree contact 4-6 groups in November who wish to benefit from the generosity of our parish community. It’s at this contact that we find out the specific needs for the people helped by these groups. Some groups have been supported for several years and others have just been added. In the past, we have collected for Echo, American Care Home, Tree of Life, Anna's Home, Restorative Partners, Traditional Food and Shelter, Abundant Blessings, and California Children's Services.
Once we have our comprehensive Needs List, tags (ornaments for the tree) are made up for the Christmas tree with specific items requested by the programs we are supporting for that year. Our church community is extremely generous, as typically an entire garage is filled with thousands of items donated by St. William’s parishioners.
A week before Christmas, these items are delivered to each program. When we receive their thank you notes, we display them, along with pictures of all the donated items, on the bulletin board in the back of the church for all to see.
By reading this overview, you can see the various volunteer opportunities available in being a part of the Giving Tree. No matter which role you take on, each and every step of the way you will have a smile on your face for helping those in need during the Christmas season.
Does this sound like a CONNECTION you would like to add to your life? If so, please fill out the Sign-Up Form to sign-up and/or learn more about this CONNECTION.