Angel Tree Gift Drive 2021

Dear Parishioners of St. Monica’s Church,

Thanks to the generous toy drive by parishioners of St. Monica’s Church in Moraga, St. Vincent de Paul of Contra Costa County “Vincentian,” volunteers made Christmas a little brighter for hundreds of children. On Saturday, December 18^th, volunteers at SVdP’s St. Paul’s Catholic Church in San Pablo handed out hundreds of toys to children in need in the local community.

“This is my favorite part of the entire year,” SVdP Branch Vice President Elizabeth Ruiz said. “It’s so amazing that people donate these toys. I spend the time to wrap each one and we put the child’s name on the toy. We want to make sure they don’t just get something for Christmas, but really get to enjoy the entire Christmas experience.”

The toys, collected over the course of several weekends by the parishioners of St. Monica’s Church in Moraga, were aimed at children of all ages – board games for families, active toys for older children, and softer toys for infants and babies. The parishioners donated hundreds of toys, ensuring that all of the families at St. Paul’s Church have something to make Christmas a little happier and more joyful.

Thanks to Fr. Coleman and his staff for their efforts in leading this program.  Assistant to the pastor at St. Monica’s Church, Heather Henry said, “It was amazing how much people gave this year. When we first started the drive, things were a little slow, but then people got extremely inspired to give. It’s an honor to be able to help those in need this time of year, that’s what Christmas is all about!”

The children and families who received toys at St. Paul’s toy give away were extremely grateful and overjoyed at the experience. They each received a customized gift, wrapped with compassion.

“We have a really tight-knit community at St. Paul’s,” Elizabeth said. “I’ve lived here my whole life, and I’m always moved by how much the community comes together to support each other and to help those that are in need.” Many residents of San Pablo are from low-income families who struggle to meet their basic needs. Over 20% of San Pablo’s families live below the poverty line, and alarmingly, 43.7% of children 5 years and younger live below the poverty line. Additionally, San Pablo residents carry one of the highest rent burdens in county, with residents spending an average of 60% of their income on rent. It’s easy to see that under these economic circumstances, many of our neighbors in San Pablo are struggling to make ends meet and “extras”, like new toys, are rare.           

Additionally, blankets, socks, underwear, hats, scarves and more were also donated and are being distributed by the St. Vincent de Paul Family Resource Center in Pittsburg. The SVdP Resource Center serves over 10,000 needy individuals/families annually, through programs including the Free Dining Room, Free Medical Clinic, Free Dental Clinic, Free Food Pantry, Job Training Program and more.

If you would like to learn more about serving local families in need, please contact your St. Monica’s SVdP Conference, President John Nohr, [email protected], or contact SVdP Development Director, Barb Hunt, [email protected], (925) 439-5060.

We cannot thank the parishioners at St. Monica’s and the volunteers at St. Paul’s enough for caring about those in need and helping make this Christmas brighter for children in Contra Costa County.

Sincerely, Claudia L. Ramirez, SVdP Executive Director
 

Dear Parishioners of St. Monica,

Birthright is filled with gratitude, once again, for your generosity . Our staff and board thank Father Coleman and the Angel Tree Ministry for permitting and organizing this important project.  The pregnant women who come to Birthright are so excited when they can choose a few new maternity outfits along with gently used clothes and also select baby outfits.  It lifts their spirits and helps to provide hope and support.
 
We received 150 baby clothes outfits, 35 new maternity clothes items, over 1,500 diapers and 1000 diaper wipes. Other useful items received were 250 containers of baby lotion, shampoo, body wash, and Desitin.
 
During 2021 and following the health regulations, Birthright had 478 client office visits and 111 visits for maternity clothes and 259 visits for baby clothes. Forty-nine moms with newborn babies received layettes (bag of baby basics). Your continued support allows Birthright to provide a pregnancy service where a mom is supported and her unborn baby is protected.