Catholic Charities Programs Aiming to Brighten Christmas for Area Families Author: Diocese of Fall River In the News 16 Nov 2023 Share FALL RIVER – Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Fall River (CCFR) has announced it is again sponsoring its Gift of Giving program to support individuals and families in need at Christmas. As in recent years, CCFR is asking parishes, organizations, and individuals to consider donating a gift card, in any denomination, from either Walmart, Target or Amazon, rather than toys or items of clothing. CCFR will then provide gift cards to families in the program so that they can have items delivered directly to their doors or picked up at stores. Using gift cards simplifies and streamlines the collective response of members of the Diocese. In addition, CCFR officials explain, it empowers the individuals and families to make their own decisions based on their own needs. Some of the feedback from families who have received gift cards is that it gives them the “dignity of choice.” CCFR has provided parishes with suggestions to help facilitate the Gift of Giving program and will be available to assist with the logistics of getting donated gift cards to CCFR headquarters in Fall River. Those who are interested in donating a gift card to Gift of Giving should check to see if their parish is participating in the program as a community, and, if so, how to support it. Otherwise, individual donations may be sent to the CSS main office in Fall River or dropped off at any CSS location listed below. Catholic Charities (Main Office) 1600 Bay Street Fall River, MA 02724 Tel: 508-674-4681 Catholic Charities 238 Bonney Street New Bedford, MA 02744 Tel: 508-997-7337 Catholic Charities 261 South Street Hyannis, MA 02601 Tel: 508-771-6771 Beyond gift card donations, CCFR is also offering individuals, families, parishes, and organizations the opportunity to sponsor a family or families for Christmas. CCFR will provide Information about a family or families in one of its programs including details on family members and needs, along with sizes, etc. Sponsors may then shop accordingly. Rose Mary Saraiva of CCFR said that in past years leading up to Christmas both the gift card Gift of Giving and the family sponsorships programs were successful and that “the benefits to both recipient and donor are immeasurable.” On behalf of the agency, she expressed “heartfelt gratitude to everyone for considering being part of the program this year. Without the support and generosity of the people of the Diocese of Fall River, we would not be able to sustain this program.” If anyone has questions, please reach out to Saraiva at Catholic Charities at 508-674-4681 ext. 1111 or by email rsaraiva@ccfrdioc.org. Diocese of Fall River Office of Communications Categories In the News Press Releases and Statements Messages from The Bishop Bishop's Blog Success Stories Photo Gallery Videos Previous Next Related Posts In the News 4 Dec 2020 Gift of Giving Program Aims to Brighten Christmas for Area Families in Need FALL RIVER — Catholic Social Services (CSS) is pleased to announce that its annual Gift of Giving program will continue this year. Due to the significant challenges of the COVID-19 … Read More In the News 15 Dec 2017 Gift of Giving Again in Full Swing to Help Families in Need at Christmas FALL RIVER – Catholic Social Services’ headquarters in Fall River’s South End becomes an even busier place in the weeks leading up to Christmas as the agency’s annual Gift of … Read More In the News 16 Dec 2016 CSS Gift of Giving Program Helps Area Families in Need at Christmas FALL RIVER – For the 19th year, Catholic Social Services (CSS) of the Fall River Diocese is sponsoring its Gift of Giving program to help brighten Christmas for hundreds of … Read More